Approximately 30,000 people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C from contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s. In May the UK Government apologised for one of the biggest treatment disasters in the history of the NHS, following the publication of the final report of the public inquiry into the infected blood scandal.

The East Antrim MLA said: “I welcome this announcement as an important step towards recognising the victims of this tragedy, and hope that payments can begin as soon as possible. I pay tribute to the victims and their families for their tireless campaigning to achieve this compensation and recognition.

“We must also remember that 3,000 victims have sadly died as a result of this scandal, and no compensation will ever account for that loss. It is unacceptable that this compensation could not have been provided years earlier. I hope the UK Government learns from this and takes the necessary steps to ensure this is not repeated in the future. 

“It is important that the UK Government provides more detail about the operation of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, through the regulations to be published next week. They should also ensure engagement with local organisations involved in campaigning for this. We have heard from such organisations in the Assembly’s Health Committee, and we will continue to engage with these local organisations and do what we can to ensure adequate compensation is provided to those who urgently need it.”