A new law governing the compensation of victims of contaminated blood products was passed in the Dáil today despite accusations that the changes were mean-spirited.
Opponents of the Hepatitis C Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Bill 2006 say it could restrict compensation to persons who have been infected with Hepatitis C as a result of being contaminated blood products administered by the State.
The Bill principal function is to establish a statutory scheme for those experiencing difficulties in obtaining insurance because they are infected.
However, it also precludes claimants who display the symptoms of Hepatitis C but do not register positive under the Elisa test, from claiming compensation.
Fine Gael's Olivia Mitchell the purpose of using the Elisa test was to limit eligibility.
"It is not the case that it is a wonderful test," she told the Dáil.
Labour's Joe Costello described the test as "outdated" and "arbitrary".
Ms Harney said she was not seeking to exclude legitimate claimants but prevent abuse of the scheme.
"We do not need to be experts to know the capacity in some quarters for seeking compensation.