THE TERMS of reference given to the tribunal were greeted as giving scope for a wide-ranging investigation yet also seeking answers to specific questions.
The tribunal was asked to report on the circumstances in which anti-D, manufactured by the Blood Transfusion Service Board (BTSB), was infected with what is now known as hepatitis C and the implications thereof, including the consequences for the blood supply and other blood products.
It was also asked to report on the circumstances in which the BTSB first became aware that anti-D had, or might have, become infected with hepatitis C the implications of this; the action taken by the BTSB on the discovery; and the adequacy of such action, including the consequences for the blood supply and other blood products.
It was asked to look at the response of the BTSB to a letter in December 1991 from the Middlesex Hospital, London, about human immunoglobulin anti-D.
The tribunal was also asked to inquire into how the National Drugs Advisory Board carried out its functions in relation to the production of anti-D.
It was further asked to inquire whether the supervision of the board and the BTSB was adequate and appropriate, given the responsibilities of the Minister for Health, the Department and the boards.
It was to report on whether anti-D was a therapeutic substance for the purposes of the Therapeutic Substances Act, 1932, and whether the granting of a manufacturer's licence could have prevented the infection of human immunoglobulin anti-D with hepatitis C.
It was also asked to establish the relevance of the foregoing of any information not available to the Expert Group, which became available subsequently, to the completion of the group's report.
Finally, it was asked to inquire into questions raised by the family of Mrs Brigid McCole in an open letter published on October 9th, in so far as the questions related, to the terms of reference.