Written Ministerial Statement

The content of this written ministerial statement is as received at the time from the Minister. It has not been subject to the official reporting (Hansard) process.

Department of Health: Infected Blood -Interim Compensation Payments

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Published on Wednesday 17 August 2022.

Mr Swann (The Minister of Health): This statement is to inform you that I have agreed along with my counterparts across the UK and subject to funding from HM Treasury that interim compensation payments are to be made to those infected and/or affected by contaminated blood in Northern Ireland.

The compensation payments follow a recommendation made by the Chair of the Infected Blood Inquiry, Sir Brian Langstaff in his interim report published in July 2022.

The interim compensation payments of £100,000 will be paid to beneficiaries of the Infected Blood Payment Scheme (Northern Ireland), which includes people who became infected with hepatitis C or HIV as a result of NHS-supplied contaminated blood, as well as bereaved spouses and partners registered on the Scheme. The payments will also be available to new beneficiaries who join the NI Scheme between now and the inception of any future compensation scheme.

The use of contaminated blood and blood products in the 1970s and 1980s was a tragedy for everyone involved and I am very aware of the financial hardships and suffering endured since then.  I have met with groups of those who have been infected and affected and have heard directly of the terrible impact this has had on their lives.

I welcome the interim compensation and confirmation of funding from HMT and my Department will continue to work with its counterparts in Westminster to ensure that the payments are made as quickly as possible.