State committed to blood scandal probe despite concerns

THE Government is committed to launching an inquiry into the role of international drug firms in the blood contamination scandal despite the cost concerns raised by a senior minister.

The Irish Haemophilia Society had sought the reassurance after Justice Minister Michael McDowell warned on Friday the probe could be a “monumental” waste of State resources.

Yesterday, Department of Health officials assured the IHS that Minister Michael Martin’s position had not changed.