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<p>The design and implementation of the scheme to support those affected by the issues
caused by the contaminated blood scandal in Northern Ireland is a devolved matter.
It is therefore not appropriate for me to make any assessment or judgment as to the
approach taken, though I understand that, in December 2016, the Northern Ireland Health
Minister at the time announced increased financial support for people affected by
contaminated blood prior to September 1991.</p><p> </p><p>As to the public inquiry
announced in July, I and my officials have remained in close contact with Government
colleagues to facilitate discussions with the Northern Ireland Civil Service and with
key stakeholders on the subject. Most importantly I know that those affected in Northern
Ireland were made aware of the process, in particular the extension to the period
of consultation to 18 October. More than 800 written responses across the United Kingdom
were received and will be analysed thoroughly by the Cabinet Office, to whom responsibility
for setting up the independent inquiry has transferred from the Department of Health.</p><p>
</p><p>As my Rt Honourable Friend the First Secretary of State made clear in his written
statement on 3 November, this process will be taken forward as a full statutory public
inquiry, created under the 2005 Inquiries Act, and a further announcement will follow
before the end of the year on the next steps.</p>
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