Statement from the IBTS Board

The Board of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service today called for the establishment of a judicial inquiry to investigate the facts relating to the timing of the notification of test results to 28 donors in the Munster region who tested hepatitis C positive between 1991 and 1993, and the consequences thereof.

The investigation should also examine other issues relating to the notification of hepatitis C test results to blood donors from 1991 - 2002, as well as whether there is evidence that anti D was contaminated by plasma from sources other than Patient X and Donor Y.

These issues were set out in the draft Terms of Reference for an investigation sent to the Board by the Department of Health recently. The Board fully endorsed the objectives of the Terms of Reference today. The Board and its staff are committed to co-operate fully with the investigation.

It has been proposed that the issues be investigated by a team of counsel and experts led by a nominated senior counsel. The Board of IBTS believes however that the most transparent and effective way of carrying out this investigation would be through a judicial inquiry. Such an inquiry would best be able to ensure openness and a comprehensive examination of the issues without delay. It would also provide reassurance to donors and patients about the safety of the blood supply. All relevant IBTS documentation is and will be available for review.

An immediate concern however is to establish what additional information needs to be communicated to the 28 Munster donors. The Board will communicate any necessary further information to these individuals without delay, taking into account their wishes and previous communications.