Bernard Allen
Question:173 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received the Irish Medicines Board's inspection report on the blood service; and, if so, if he will publish the report. [25599/99]
Written Answers. - Blood Transfusion Service Board.
On 8 September 1999 my office arranged to have copies of the Irish Medicines Board second annual report on the Blood Transfusion Service Board for the year 1998 placed in the Oireachtas Library for the information of Members. On 9 September, I published this report and I referred to its publication in a press release issued on my behalf by my Department.
Bernard Allen
Question:174 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a request from the Blood Transfusion Service Board to change its name; if so, the reason given for this request; and his views on the request. [25600/99]
In many countries, the national blood transfusion agencies have their country of origin in their titles. The Blood Transfusion Service Board is increasingly involved in international efforts to further improve blood safety which involve, for example, the European Union and the European Blood Alliance. There is also considerable contact with international transfusion experts in relation to transfusion medicine. The Blood Transfusion Service Board at its meeting in September 1999 decided to request me to change the name of the organisation to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service to take account of these developments.
I am favourably disposed to providing for a change of name for the organisation.