Day 195 of The Tribunal
TRIBUNAL OF INQUIRY Tuesday 27th November 2001 Day 195 Today, Ian Brennan S.C. made his closing submissions on behalf of the Department of Health and the Minister. He said that they were deeply sorry that those people affected by the Hepatitis C/ HIV tragedy had been caused to suffer so much. He said it was an immense tragedy that had befallen citizens of this State and it should be profoundly regretted. However, he accused lawyers for the Irish Haemophilia Society of monstrous behaviour in accusing a former Civil Servant of being involved in a State sponsored cover-up. Mr. Brennan said the Department of Health was not aware that from 1986 there was evidence that seven people had been infected with HIV as a result of using BTSB product. He denied the allegations made by the Irish Haemophilia Society that the Board concealed this fact from the Minister for Health. He said there was no motivation and that it was therefore incredible that any member of the Board would not have informed the Department of Health about serious issues. Mr. Brennan’s submissions ended the hearings of the Tribunal.
