THE tribunal of inquiry into the hepatitis C scandal was adjourned until Tuesday, when two authorities on the virus will give evidence. The hearings will then end and resume again on January 13th.
Under the firm if good-humoured chairmanship of Mr Justice Thomas Finlay, the inquiry has moved steadily since hearings began on December 2nd. The contribution of the tribunal legal team, led by Mr James Nugent SC, with Mr Rory Brady SC, Ms Darn Foynes, barrister, and Ms Clare Loftus, solicitor, has been particularly significant.
They have made cogent presentations throughout, helping to keep proceedings on track. Of assistance to them has been general agreement on matters of fact with the Blood Transfusion Service Board.
The inquiry is thought to be ahead of schedule, with all hearings expected to be over by the end of January. A report is probable within a month of that.
