T9. Mr Sheehan asked the Minister of Finance whether the money he allocated for the people who have been affected by the contaminated blood scandal is being spent in the way that was intended. (AQT 149/17-22)

As the Member knows, we allocated £1 million as part of the monitoring round for people affected by the contaminated blood scandal. It has been an ongoing, tragic issue for many of the families involved. It was essential, at the first available opportunity, that we demonstrated support for them. The Department of Health has received the money and allocated £600,000 of the £1 million. The Health Minister has assured me that he intends to use the full £1 million.

Is the Minister aware of how many people in the North have been affected by this scandal?

Minister, a quick response, please.

There are figures, and, in consultation with my colleague the Health Minister, I will try to get them to you.

That concludes questions to the Minister of Finance. We move now to questions to the Minister of Health. Topical questions 8, 9 and 10 have been withdrawn.