Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for taking so much time out of his busy schedule to be with us to debate this extremely important report. The one word that comes to mind is why. The families of those who were infected with the contaminated blood products were asking why before the tribunal commenced and they are still doing so because they did not get the answers to their questions. The report is not well produced and it is difficult to find conclusions therein. More importantly, Ms Justice Lindsay failed to find anybody culpable for what happened to those who were infected or to find the multinational companies culpable. It is, therefore, an extremely disappointing report. Perhaps the terms of reference were not adequate to ensure those questions would be answered.

I join the Minister in extending sympathy to all the families who have been affected. Their pain continues and many people are still suffering and live with what happened on a day to day basis. They must be to the forefront of our minds as we discuss the report. It must be extremely difficult for them to listen to the ongoing debate. I do not have any doubt they are frustrated that they have not got answers. It has been recognised that they were wronged, which must bring them some comfort. However, we know from the Irish Haemophilia Society that they are disappointed with the report. I understand that. I extend my thanks and congratulations to them for the strength they showed and continue to show. It must have been difficult for them to appear as witnesses at the tribunal.

I congratulate the Minister on implementing the recommendations in the report. That must be done as quickly as possible. We owe it to the people who have died and to those who are still suffering. We must ensure that it does not happen again. The State had a responsibility for the health and welfare of these people. However, we failed many people. The Minister must ensure that this or something similar does not happen again.

I am delighted the report's findings will be sent to the DPP. Perhaps we will then get an answer why this happened. I hope the multinational pharmaceutical companies will be held accountable. Did they know these products were contaminated and continued to give them to innocent people?