International Legal Proceedings.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005

Tuesday, 21 June 2005

Ceisteanna (277)

Liz McManus

Ceist:

270 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the Government’s undertaking, following the publication of the Lindsay report, to consider the possibility of initiating legal action against US drugs firms who supplied contaminated blood products to Irish haemophiliacs; if the legal opinion sought from US lawyers has been received; the nature of the opinion provided; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21053/05]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

In July 2003 the Government was approached unilaterally by a firm of New York lawyers with the proposal that the Government could sue certain pharmaceutical companies in the United States arising from the manufacture of blood products that caused Hepatitis C and HIV infection to persons with haemophilia. Initial advice received from counsel appointed by the Attorney General raised serious concerns regarding the proposal. Following careful consideration of this advice, the Attorney General recommended that an independent opinion be obtained in the United States in respect of the proposed litigation. Arrangements to procure such advice are ongoing.

Question No. 271 answered with QuestionNo. 267.

Question No. 272 answered with QuestionNo. 145.