The Irish Medical Council has initiated an inquiry into the conduct of the former Chief Medical Officer of the Blood Transfusion Service, Dr Terry Walsh.
It is understood the inquiry, which began more than two months ago, relates to the infection of people with Hepatitis C through blood and blood products.
This is the first time that any person has faced an assessment of their professional conduct during the turbulent period for the transfusion service.
Dr Walsh joined the Blood Bank in 1969. He became its Chief Medical Officer after nearly two decades of service.
He has given evidence at two Inquiries into the blood supply, the most recent being the Lindsay Tribunal into the infection of people with haemophilia.
Dr Walsh also testified at the Finlay Tribunal in the mid-1990s which investigated how Hepatitis C contaminated the anti-D blood product made at Pelican House, the old Blood Bank headquarters.
Dr Walsh retired from the Blood Bank in 1995 on full pension and now works privately in Dublin. It is anticipated he will vigorously defend his position against any suggestion of misconduct.
