According to a report in the Irish Times, Ireland’s Department of Health has retained the
services of a U.S. law firm to explore the possibility of filing suit against several U.S.-
based pharmaceutical companies. The department alleges that these companies
manufactured clotting factor contaminated with HIV and hepatitis C and knowingly
supplied the product to Ireland. More than 260 people with hemophilia were infected
from the mid-1970s to 1990.

Irish Minster of Health Mary Harney and the Irish Haemophilia Society (IHS) have
confirmed that they are seeking the advice of a New York law firm and suggested that
they may bring a suit on behalf of IHS and those infected. Ms. Harney stated that she
expects to receive a report from the firm within the next two to three months.

“Perhaps now our members will get the answers they need to bring closure to a period
that has brought them much hurt and suffering,” said IHS chairman Michael Davenport.

Source: The Irish Times, September 22, 2005