Cowen questions HIV test delay

The Fianna Fail spokesman on health, Mr Brian Cowen, has called for explanation for the delay in introducing the HIV testing …

The Fianna Fail spokesman on health, Mr Brian Cowen, has called for explanation for the delay in introducing the HIV testing programme announced in December.

Minister for Health had an optional HIV testing programme would be available as a matter of urgency following the discovery that the Blood Transfusion Service Board was unable to trace blood issues which may have been contaminated with HIV.

"It is a matter of concern that 10 people who may have received potentially HIV infected blood have still not been traced." The Minister should explain what was going on. He should also outline arrangements for counselling for transfusion recipients who decided to participate in the HIV testing programme.