S.I. No. 255/1996:

HEALTH (AMENDMENT) ACT, 1996 (COMMENCEMENT) ORDER, 1996

HEALTH (AMENDMENT) ACT, 1996 (COMMENCEMENT) ORDER, 1996

The Minister for Health, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by section 1 (3) of the Health (Amendment) Act, 1996 (No. 15 of 1996), hereby orders as follows:--

1. This Order may be cited as the Health (Amendment) Act, 1996 (Commencement) Order, 1996.

2. Section 2 of the Health (Amendment) Act, 1996 shall come into operation on the 23rd day of September, 1996.

Given under the official seal of the Minister for Health this 28th day of August 1996.

Michael Noonan

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Michael Noonan T.D.

Minister for Health

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The purpose of this Order is to bring section 2 of the Health (Amendment) Act, 1996 into operation.

Section 2 provides a statutory basis to make available primary health care services without charge to persons who have contracted Hepatitis C directly or indirectly from the use of Human Immunoglobulin - Anti-D or the receipt within the State of another blood product or a blood transfusion . The Health Boards are responsible for the delivery of services to be provided under the Act.

The primary health care services which are provided under the Act by the Health Boards, free of charge and without a means test to eligible persons are:-

(a) General practitioner medical and surgical services, in relation to all medical conditions, by general practitioners chosen by the persons;

(b) Drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances;

(c) the nursing service specified in section 60 of the Health Act of 1970 (home nursing);

(d) the service specified in section 61 of the Health Act of 1970 (home help);

(e) Dental, ophthalmic and aural services and dental, optical and aural appliances;

(f) Counselling services in respect of Hepatitis C; and

(g) such other services as may be prescribed.