THE long-awaited bill to reform the country’s controversial libel laws will be published by the Government between now and Easter.

THE Government, facing a final bill of almost €900 million to compensate people infected by contaminated blood, has been urged to take legal action against pharmaceutical companies in the United States who supplied the lethal products.

ALMOST €400 million in compensation and legal costs has been paid out by the State’s Hepatitis C and HIV Compensation Tribunal since it began hearing claims seven years ago.