A tribunal of inquiry into why 28 blood donors were not told for years that they had tested positive for hepatitis C has been sought by support group Positive Action. The group supports women infected with hepatitis C through blood product anti-D, which had been contaminated.
The move follows the rejection by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service of a format for an inquiry which had been agreed between the Minister for Health and Children, Positive Action and Transfusion Positive. Instead, the IBTS wants a judicial inquiry which would be more comprehensive and open.
Ms Detta Warnock, chairwoman of Positive Action, said last night the judicial inquiry recommended by the IBTS would have no power to compel witnesses or the discovery of documents. Positive Action wants a tribunal which would have the power to do both of these things.