A small group of Northern Ireland Hepatitis C victims infected through blood are to get compassionate payments of at least Stg £20,000 sterling.
Others suffering from the long-term effects of Hepatitis C, such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, or who have received a liver transplant, will receive an extra £25,000.
Every person whose Hepatitis C infection was found to be attributed to NHS/HPSS treatment with blood or blood products before September 1st, 1991 and who was alive on August 29th, 2003, will be entitled to the money. Social security benefits will not be affected.
Payments are due to begin in April.
Ms Smith said: "We have ensured throughout our negotiations that the scheme would be easily accessible for eligible patients. It is important people making a claim are not going to be bogged down with bureaucracy."
PA