The Board of the Blood Transfusion Service has called for the establishment of a judicial inquiry to investigate how 28 donors were diagnosed as having contracted hepatitis c in the early 1990s but were not immediately informed.
The Minister for Health, Michéal Martin, last month suggested an Inquiry led by barristers and experts look into this and related matters. However the Board of the Blood Bank has said it feels that the most "transparent and effective way" is through a judicial inquiry.
The announcement was made following a 6-hour meeting today at the blood bank headquarters in Dublin.
In a statement released afterwards, the Board said it fully endorsed the Minister's objectives, that its staff would co-operate fully and that all documentation would be made available. But the Board added that it believed a different format was required to that proposed.
It said a judicial inquiry would be best able to ensure openness and a comprehensive examination of the issues without delay, and would provide reassurance to donors and patients about the safety of the blood supply.
The Board said that the 28 people at the centre of the investigation who know they have hepatitis c but for whom there was a delay in informing them, were of "immediate concern".
It added and it would "communicate any necessary further information without delay - taking into account their wishes and previous communications".
The issue has already led to turmoil in the Blood Bank, including the departure of the Chief Executive Officer, Martin Hynes, in an out-of-court settlement.
The Chair of the Board met officials from Positive Action and Transfusion Positive last night but neither side would comment on what was discussed.
