Government Hep C appeal announced for January

The Supreme Court will hear the Government's appeal case against a decision to allow victims to bring High Court claims against awards received from the Hepatitis C Tribunal, next month.

Minister Micheal Martin is lodging the appeal after the High Court ruled that people who accepted awards from the Tribunal were not excluded from appealing them to the High Court.

Already more than €290m has been awarded to victims, however this figure could rise substantially if they decide to appeal their awards.

The hearing is due to take place on January 13.