Harney attacked over blood compensation

The Department of Health has been accused of missing out on tens of millions of euro in possible compensation for haemophiliacs because of its unwillingness to prosecute US pharmaceutical companies.

The Irish Haemophilia Society (IHS) in a statement this morning said the department has failed to proceed against a number of US pharmaceutical companies over Irish people contracting Hepatitis C and HIV infections.

"Because it has let so much time pass, due to either incompetence, inability or unwillingness, the State has lot itself tens of millions as some of the claims that could have been made against the US pharma companies may now be out of time in legal terms," said Brian O'Mahony, IHS chief executive.

The IHS is concerned that despite agreeing to pursue the US pharmaceutical companies through the courts and appointing a legal firm in the United States and the United Kingdom, the department has reportedly not instructed these firms to proceed.

According to the IHS, this is contrary to the approach being taken by other countries, such as Canada, which has started a criminal case against Amour Pharmaceutical.

Mr O'Mahony also accused the State of "failing to make proper provision for our members and using adversarial tactics to frustrate their cases". He said these tactics included placing blockages in the way of people seeking justice in relation to Hepatitis C and HIV infections.

He said the State has sought to robustly cross-examine members "even though the State claims the system is non-adversarial", and that the IHS has had to resist four attempts to cross-examine members.

The department disputes the fact there is cross-examination taking place.

Mr O'Mahony also identified concerns with the failure of the State to provide legislation to allow IHS members with Hepatitis C to be insured, and he called on the Tánaiste to implement this legislation without further delay.

The IHS is due to discuss its concerns with Tánaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney at Leinster House this afternoon.