State opposed to interim payments for society

Legal representatives for the State have argued that the Irish Haemophilia Society should not have costs awarded to its legal team before the inquiry makes its findings. Counsel for the society, Mr Martin Hayden, argued at yesterday's sitting the society would not have "meaningful access to the tribunal" unless it could be reassured its costs would be covered.

The society was mentioned in the terms of reference of the tribunal and was required to attend proceedings, Mr Hayden said. It was a voluntary society and its individual members were "not in a position to fund" its legal costs.

Counsel for the Attorney General, the State and the Public Interest, Ms Maureen Clark SC, said there was "no jurisdiction on the part of the tribunal to pay costs on an interim basis". Mr John Finlay SC, for the tribunal, said the society could have a "very considerable expectation" that it would be awarded costs after the tribunal made its findings. The chairwoman, Judge Alison Lindsay, said she would rule on the matter next Tuesday.