Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
The scheme has already been subject to considerable criticism from MSPs and support groups who state that the payments are “derisory” and that the scheme has already taken too long to establish.
Commenting on the issue, Mr Stevenson said:
“The Minister had previously given an assurance that his team of medical experts had nearly finished their work to decide the tests that would be used to establish the eligibility of claimants for the scheme. Further assurance was also given regarding proposals for its administration and that it had already been developed and would shortly be discussed with relevant patient organisations.
“I am aware that the Minister said that a public announcement would be made last month which would make clear to claimants what they needed to do in order to make a claim. Mr Chisholm also said that this information would be directly available to patient organisations, clinicians dealing with patients affected and individuals who had already stated their interest in making a claim.
“I am furious that after over a month, there has still been no announcement from the Government. I have been contacted by numerous constituents on the matter and they desperately need to know who they go about claiming the compensation that is so rightfully theirs.
“Hepatitis C sufferers have already had to come to terms with the massive effect that the disease can have on every aspect of their lives. It has taken long enough for the Executive to accept, even in principle, that they should have any form of compensation, in many cases considerably lower that that being offered in similar cases in other parts of the world.
“These sufferers have been left in limbo by the Executive with minimal communication regarding the progress of this scheme and a support infrastructure which is wholly inadequate, few places more so than our own region, where for many sufferers the nearest group is Ireland.
“I am appalled at this further delay by the Executive and therefore urge them to make an announcement regarding the progress of the scheme’s establishement as a matter of urgency. There can be no more excuses for drawing out this process any further: these people have waited long enough already and deserve better treatment.”
“I am aware that the Minister said that a public announcement would be made last month which would make clear to claimants what they needed to do in order to make a claim. Mr Chisholm also said that this information would be directly available to patient organisations, clinicians dealing with patients affected and individuals who had already stated their interest in making a claim.
“I am furious that after over a month, there has still been no announcement from the Government. I have been contacted by numerous constituents on the matter and they desperately need to know who they go about claiming the compensation that is so rightfully theirs.
“Hepatitis C sufferers have already had to come to terms with the massive effect that the disease can have on every aspect of their lives. It has taken long enough for the Executive to accept, even in principle, that they should have any form of compensation, in many cases considerably lower that that being offered in similar cases in other parts of the world.
“These sufferers have been left in limbo by the Executive with minimal communication regarding the progress of this scheme and a support infrastructure which is wholly inadequate, few places more so than our own region, where for many sufferers the nearest group is Ireland.
“I am appalled at this further delay by the Executive and therefore urge them to make an announcement regarding the progress of the scheme’s establishement as a matter of urgency. There can be no more excuses for drawing out this process any further: these people have waited long enough already and deserve better treatment.”
