An apology was read before the High Court on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney, to a woman who contracted Hepatitis C from infected blood products.
The woman's blood was - unknown to her - then used to make the Anti-D blood product.
The Tánaiste said she was "deeply sorry" that failures in the health services should have had "such terrible consequences" and described what had happened to the woman and others was "a major catastrophe".
The apology was read before Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill following settlement of the woman's action for compensation. No details of that settlement were disclosed.
The woman was referred to as Patient X during hearings before the Finlay tribunal into the Hepatitis C scandal.
The apology stated: "The Tánaiste very much regrets the pain and suffering caused to Patient X by her infection with Hepatitis C and more particularly by the circumstances in which her blood, without her knowledge and consent, was used in the manufacture of Anti-D Immunoglobin.
"The tragic chain of events which followed has been well-documented and the distress which this has caused to Patient X personally has been immense. It is acknowledged that the burden which this has placed on Patient X is considerable and that it has caused her to suffer above and beyond the suffering caused by her infection with Hepatitis C.
"The Tánaiste fully acknowledges that the pain caused to Patient X and her family is extensive and accepts that what happened to her and to others is a major catastrophe.
"The Tánaiste wishes to express how deeply sorry she is that failures in the health services should have had such terrible consequences. The Tánaiste and her Department are fully committed to ensuring that Patient X and others who have contracted Hepatitis C from the administration of blood and blood products within the State will continue to receive an extensive range of health and support services to meet their needs both now and into the future."