Row over hep C Bill expected

A bitter Dáil row is expected today when the Government introduces the Bill to compensate people with hepatitis C and HIV.

Groups representing the victims have claimed that the categories of people entitled to make claims could be significantly limited under the Bill.

Yesterday, during a heated procedural row, Opposition deputies demanded that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern clarify the Government's position.

Ceann Comhairle Rory O'Hanlon said that the matter could not be raised under the standing orders applying to the Order of Business.

Mr Ahern said he had reached a substantial agreement that there would be Opposition leaders' questions on urgent issues in the mornings with an agreed format. The issue was not raised during leaders' questions taken before yesterday's Order of Business. "Every other standing order in the House is obeyed most of the time," Mr Ahern added.

Suggesting the situation was becoming ridiculous, the Taoiseach said he had spent two hours and 20 minutes in the House.

Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said that the Taoiseach had tried to exclude the question and would not answer it, "and he waffles about having to spend a little time here".