The Lindsay Tribunal has been unexpectedly adjourned until tomorrow morning, following a request by the Irish Haemophilia Society. The IHS Chairman, Brian O'Mahony, had been due to give evidence, but only this morning received 100 new documents to consider from the Blood Transfusion Service. As well as being IHS Chairman, Brian O'Mahony is President of the World Haemophilia Federation and was pivotal l in getting the Lindsay Tribunal established.
Peter Finlay, Senior Counsel for the Tribunal, said that he agreed with the IHS that Mr O'Mahony would require time to consider the additional documentation. Allowing for a one-day adjournment, the Tribunal Chairwoman, Judge Alison Lindsay, said that it was regrettable but understandable.
The public gallery was nearly full for today's sitting. Members of the Irish Haemophilia Society came from all over the country to hear Mr O'Mahony give evidence. The Tribunal has already heard that Mr O'Mahony expressed concern in 1983 that US imported clotting agents could infect haemophiliacs with HIV. He appealed for Irish blood to be used to make clotting agents, something which did not happen for several years.
When Mr O'Mahony gives evidence tomorrow, it is expected that he will be questioned about notes he made of a conversation in 1983 with a senior official from the blood bank. The notes record Mr O'Mahony expressing concern that US clotting agents may infect haemophiliacs with HIV and calling from blood products to be made from Irish blood - something which did not happen for several years.
More than 220 haemophiliacs have been infected with hepatitis C and HIV - 55 of the 75 who have died became HIV positive from US imported blood products.
