The Government has engaged a legal firm to examine the role of multinational drug companies in the infection of Irish haemophiliacs with HIV and Hepatitis C in the 1980s.
To date, 87 people in the State have died as a result of either HIV or Hepatitis C contracted from the blood products which were mainly made by international pharmaceutical companies based in the United States.
The Irish Haemophilia Society
The Tánaiste confirmed today that the Department of Health has employed the London-based Herbert Smith legal firm to examine the possibility of the Government taking a legal action against the multinational companies.
The Irish Haemophilia Society welcomed the news and a spokeswoman told ireland.com: "We have been waiting for this for a long time. Perhaps now our members will get the answers they need to bring closure to a period that has brought them much hurt and suffering."
"We expect a report in 2-3 months and are hopeful that the investigations will lead to prosecutions."
In total 106 people were infected with HIV and 220 with Hepatitis C as a result of being given the contaminated blood products.
The Tánaiste also confirmed that funding will be provided as a priority for the provision of a new in-patient facility to be built at, St. James's Hospital, Dublin. The new 12-bed facility which is now at planning stage will provide comprehensive in-patient care for people with haemophilia.