Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 May 1997

Vol. 478 No. 7

Written Answers - HIV Tribunal.

Máirín Quill

Ceist:

29 Miss Quill asked the Minister for Health when he expects to have the terms of reference for the forthcoming tribunal into HIV and other matters of concern raised by the Irish Haemophilia Society; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12127/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): It is the Government's intention to establish a tribunal of inquiry to examine the HIV infection of blood and blood products manufactured and distributed by the BTSB, and such further matters in respect of blood and blood products as may require investigation in the light of the report of the hepatitis C tribunal.

The report of the hepatitis C tribunal was submitted to me on 6 March 1997 and published on 11 March 1997. I have already met the Irish Haemophilia Society in relation to the terms of reference of the proposed tribunal of inquiry. I will be having further consultations with the society on the detailed drafting of the terms of reference and it is my intention to proceed with the establishment of the tribunal of inquiry at the earliest possible date. My first priority, however, at this time, is to ensure the enactment of the legislation on the compensation tribunal which will be published later this week.