Gardai are to be asked to investigate the cases of several people infected with the hepatitis C virus through blood or blood products provided by the Blood Transfusion Service Board.
The family of the late Mrs Brigid McCole has already made an individual formal complaint to the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, arising from their mother's death in 1996 from hepatitis C through contaminated anti-D.
Mrs McCole's daughter, Brid, yesterday joined members of Positive Action in a meeting with the Attorney General, Mr David Byrne, and the Minister for Health, Mr Cowen.
"It is our hope that this [Garda] investigation will result in a new file being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions. Our family intend to pursue this issue and we will do everything possible to assist the gardai in their investigations," she said. There was no Garda comment on the matter last night.
Following the meeting, Ms Jane O'Brien of Positive Action said: "We are hopeful this will lead to a full investigation of all the events. It may be that the DPP will revisit the issue following such investigations," Ms O'Brien added.
At its meeting with the Minister yesterday, Positive Action handed over a petition of 9,000 names, including members of the group, their family and friends, calling on the Government to ensure an investigation of Mrs McCole's death.
The petition also asked that "every possible avenue be explored to ensure there is full accountability for the anti-D scandal".
The Attorney General has asked the Law Reform Commission to investigate legislation governing criminal responsibility. His request follows the decision of the Director of Prosecutions not to pursue any prosecutions relating to hepatitis C.