The Irish Haemophilia Society has demanded that the Minister for Health allows it examine a new report. Micheal Martin commissioned the report on international drug firms accused of infecting the vast majority of haemophiliacs in the State with HIV and Hepatitis C. He says that it will not be released until after it has been brought to Government.
Paul Gardiner, Senior Counsel, was appointed by Minister Martin to assess if the State would be able to get access to internal drug firm documents which were revealed in litigation through a Tribunal or other form of inquiry. The IHS wants these companies investigated as their products are blamed for causing most infections in its members. Seventy-seven people have died to date.
Mr Gardiner's appointment followed an RTÉ True Lives programme which showed that drug firms paid prisoners, addicts on skid row and other high risk donors for donations.
The final report was submitted to the Minister last night. A spokesperson said today that it would be brought to Government "within the next week or so", but added that it would not be released until after those talks.
The Haemophilia Society has said this is an extraordinary situation, given that it facilitated Mr Gardiner and introduced him to relevant people in the United States. It has called on the Minister to let them see the report before it goes to Government, so that its opinions can be taken on board ahead of any decision.
