The Compensation Tribunal, appointed to assess damages for hepatitis C victims infected by treatment with contaminated blood or blood products, has so far awarded £6.7 million to 62 applicants. This is an average of £108,000 each. Where provisional awards were made, applicants are entitled to seek increased compensation should their symptoms worsen.
The break away Garda staff association, the Garda Federation, is threatening to hold a demonstration in Dublin in protest at the Government's refusal to grant it official recognition.
The federation spokesman, Mr Chris Finnegan, said yesterday there was no prospect of success for the Minister for Justice, Mrs Owens's proposal to legislate for a new garda staff association.
He said the federation was holding an emergency delegate conference on June 6th, to coincide with the Dail debate on the Bill.