Lindsay tribunal closes after two years

The Lindsay Tribunal concluded today after over two years in session with a heartfelt message of thanks to all the witness who relived their "harrowing" experiences in giving evidence.

Many of those stories, many of those faces, many of those voices, will stay with me forever Judge Alison Lindsay

Judge Alison Lindsay said she wished to express her sincerest gratitude to all the victims, relatives and friends who were "very brave" throughout the inquiry.

"Many of those stories, many of those faces, many of those voices, will stay with me forever," she said. "I would particularly like to thank those who had to relive those harrowing times in the ‘80s and ‘90s."

The tribunal this morning heard submissions for costs from the various parties involved since proceedings began in September 1999. Submissions included those from counsel for the State, the Irish Haemophilia Society, the Blood Transfusion Service, a series of Health Boards around the country and a number of other witnesses.

Mr Martin Hayden, SC for the Irish Haemophilia Society, argued that the society was in a different position from a number of bodies represented in that its costs would not be automatically indemnified by the State.

He warned that the work of the society may be at risk if it was left in financial difficulties as a result of its attendance at the tribunal and called for an award of full costs for witness expenses and legal fees.

"Such an award will not burden any other party before the tribunal," Mr Hayden argued.

Judge Lindsay ruled that an order in respect of costs would be released after the publication of her final report on the findings of the tribunal, due early next year.