THE PD leader, Ms Mary Harney, demanded that two Government Ministers take questions from deputies during today's debate on the hepatitis C report.

Ms Harney said the Government should provide time for the Minister for Health, Mr Noonan, and the Minister for the Environment, Mr Brendan Howlin, a former minister for health, to answer questions relating to their handling of the issue. There should be parliamentary accountability, she added.

The Tanaiste, who was taking the Order of Business in the absence of the Taoiseach, said the Dail debate would be held today and next Tuesday, and that Mr Noonan would take questions in the normal course of events next week.

Ms, Harney said that Mr Noonan would only be taking his routine Question Time on Tuesday. "As the Tanaiste must be aware, the handling of this issue by both Ministers leaves a lot to be desired. It was mishandled by both Minister Howlin and Minister Noonan."

Mr Spring said Ms Harney, should read the report relating to "the exoneration of both Ministers, and let the facts stand for themselves".

Earlier Ms Harney sought an emergency debate on the circumstances whereby a woman infected with hepatitis C was requested to donate blood by the Blood Transfusion Service Board in December.

The Ceann Comhairle, Mr Sean Treacy, ruled it out under standing orders, adding that there would be a debate on the issue today.