Martin still undecided about US drug firms

Health Minister Micheal Martin has told the Dail that he is still undecided on whether he should order an investigation into US drug firms which imported contaminated blood products into Ireland.

These contaminated products have been blamed for the infection of more than 200 Irish haemophiliacs with HIV and Hepatitis C.

Minister Martin said he is consulting with the Attorney General on the feasibility of establishing an inquiry into the actions of these firms and will meet with the Irish Haemophiliac Society next week.

The Lindsay Tribunal, which is investigating the blood scandal, has already refused to expand its terms of reference to include a probe into the US companies.