Vol. 545 No. 5
52 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the terms of reference given to the appointed senior counsel regarding the steps open to the State to investigate the role of certain multi-national companies which the Lindsay Tri bunal ruled to be outside of its terms of reference; when he expects to receive Mr. Gardiner's report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30888/01]
Following a Government decision, I appointed Mr. Paul Gardiner, Senior Counsel, to investigate and consider what steps are open to the State to instigate an effective enquiry into matters arising outside the State that relate to the infection of persons with haemophilia in Ireland.
In the course of his investigations, Mr. Gardiner will consider the legal opinions and advice obtained to date both by my Department and by the Irish Haemophilia Society on the issue of obtaining documentation in the United States. He will visit with and take advice from US lawyers in relation to an application being made for access to relevant documents that are available in the United States. I understand that Mr. Gardiner intends to travel to the United States later this week.
Mr. Gardiner is not yet in a position to indicate when his investigations are likely to be concluded. However, his instructions are to investigate the issues in as expeditious and efficient a manner as possible and at the earliest date consistent with a full and proper consideration of the matters. On completion of his investigations, Mr. Gardiner will complete a report on all the relevant matters and submit it to me, for presentation to Government. His instructions also provide for the production of an interim report, if such a report is requested by me.
I have arranged for a copy of the full text of Mr. Gardiner's Instructions to be sent to the Deputy.
