Blood scandal bill: €900m

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.

More than 3,000 people those infected with hepatitis C and HIV, their spouses, carers and dependants have lodged claims in the 10 years since the compensation process was first set up.

Nearly two-thirds have been settled, costing taxpayers well over €600m in awards, legal and other costs. Only a small number of claims are likely to be lodged ahead of a final deadline later this year and the total bill is expected to be close to €900m.