THE National Women's Council of Ireland has called on the Government to develop a national crisis strategy in the light of the hepatitis C scandal.
Its chairwoman, Ms Noirin Byrne, asked delegates at the annual conference in Waterford at the weekend to adopt a motion seeking the Government's commitment to full freedom of information.
"The lack of a full freedom of information philosophy and systems in Ireland is one of the root causes of the evolution of the hepatitis C scandal" she said, and the full facts had yet to be revealed.
"Secrecy and retention of information are allied with attitudes that the general public cannot be trusted with, or is not entitled to, information," she said.
Delegates also called on the Minister for Health, Mr Noonan, to take immediate action on the recommendation from the tribunal.
A minute's silence was observed by delegates in a show of solidarity for the family of the late Brigid McCole.