Blood samples which were lost after they were taken from a Co Limerick family almost 2 1/2 years ago are to be the subject of an internal investigation by the Mid-Western Health Board.
The samples were taken from five members of a farming family who were at the centre of a health scare in Askeaton, Co Limerick. The board has agreed to meet whatever medical costs the family incurred. It denies that there was any "cover-up".
The matter was raised at yesterday's meeting of the health board by Mr Kevin Sheahan, the chairman of Limerick County Council. He said that the family believed they had been infected by a "mysterious disease" which caused the death of livestock in the area. They were still living under a "cloud of fear".
Mr Sheahan added: "As a result of this, I am not as proud of the Mid-Western Health Board as I have been. By not publishing their report on this investigation, the Environmental Protection Agency are also refuelling anger among the community."
Dr Kevin Kelliher said that the blood samples were received at the Regional Hospital and placed in a laboratory fridge. A year later they had been lost as a result of movement from one laboratory to another.
Mr Stiofan de Burca confirmed that the board would be conducting an internal inquiry.