The Irish Haemophilia Society (IHS) was warned by a leading doctor in 1983 that the Blood Transfusion Service Board was unable to guarantee its products would not transmit AIDS, the tribunal has been told.
The warning came by letter in August 1983 from Prof Ian Temperley, former director of the National Haemophilia Treatment Centre, after his advice was sought by the IHS on emerging concerns about a possible risk of contracting AIDS from concentrated blood products imported from the US.
Prof Temperley, in his reply, said that reliance on BTSB products might not prevent the spread of AIDS. "There are many problems regarding BTSB versus commercial products and AIDS is only one. It must be remembered that the BTSB cannot guarantee that its products will not transmit AIDS," he wrote.
It became clear by 1986 that his view was correct, with BTSB factor 9 infecting seven haemophiliacs in the State with HIV, five of whom have since died.
IHS committee member Mr Shay Farrelly was asked by counsel for the tribunal, Mr Gerard Durcan SC, if Prof Temperley's letter set off alarm bells in the society. Mr Farrelly said the letter was in fact reassuring as it also stated there had been only five possible cases of AIDS linked to haemophiliacs worldwide. It also said these particular infections might not have been connected to blood products. "It would have very much allayed our fears and concerns," he said, adding that it appeared from the letter Prof Temperley was "on top of the situation".
Mr Farrelly said the first time he heard the word AIDS was in February 1983 and by May 1983 when it "hit the media" IHS concerns had heightened. The society, he said, in addition to writing to Prof Temperley, also wrote to the British Haemophilia Society seeking information. In its letter it said the society was under the impression that the risk of AIDS was being played down and wondered what steps it should take.
Officers of the IHS will continue giving evidence today.