The Infected Blood Inquiry yesterday concluded that the infection of around 30,000 people across the UK with hepatitis and HIV through treatment with contaminated blood between the 1970s and 1990s “could largely, though not entirely, have been avoided”.

It also found that there had been a cover-up by successive governments, which included the “deliberate destruction of documents of evidence”.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak will today set out plans to pay “comprehensive compensation” to victims and their families, which the BBC says could cost around £10 billion.

Interim compensation payments of £100,000 were previously paid to around 4,000 victims, including 100 in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland’s health minister Robin Swann welcomed the publication of the inquiry’s final report and reiterated an apology from the Department of Health.

“It is with deep regret that we cannot undo the actions of the past, however it is incumbent on us in government and across the health service to ensure that this never happens again,” he said.

“My department will ensure the report is given the careful consideration it deserves and will be engaging with counterparts on a four nations basis, as well as across NI Executive departments.

“A full response to the inquiry’s recommendations will be provided as soon as is practicable.”

He added: “I want to acknowledge the bravery, determination, and dignity those affected by this terrible tragedy have shown over the years.

“This was especially evident over the course of the inquiry, and I remain grateful to those who contributed. Recalling their experiences will have understandably been very traumatic.

“I am also grateful to Sir Brian Langstaff KC and his team for their thorough work in producing this comprehensive report.”