Vol. 452 No. 7
60 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health, with regard to pages 34 and 35 of the report of the expert group on the Blood Transfusion Service Board, the reason standards of screening used in screening the panel of male Rhesus negative volunteers were not uniformly applied to other categories. [8504/95]
Limerick East): The Expert Group on the Blood Transfusion Service Board appointed on 4 March 1994 carried out a highly complex task, the primary focus of which was a detailed examination of the problems which had arisen with the Anti-D product. I do not at this stage intend to re-examine issues dealt with by the expert group in their report. I have responded to issues highlighted in the report and taken action to ensure the highest possible standards in our blood transfusion services.
61 Miss M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to increase staffing levels in the blood transfusion service. [8505/95]
Limerick East): Since coming into office, I was concerned that there be an independent and thorough review of all the workings of the Blood Transfusion Service Board by experienced management consultants who would address the exceptional mix of professional, technological and managerial problems which beset the board. On 31 January 1955 the Government approved the funding of a major consultancy study by Brian and Company, a United Kingdom-based firm with special expertise in the area of transfusion services, into the organisation and workings of the Blood Transfusion Service Board. I expect to receive its report shortly.
