The development plan for the Blood Transfusion Service Board provides for major re-organisation and redevelopment of the service to ensure that it is in a position to meet international standards in transfusion medicine. Substantial progress has been made in implementing key elements of this plan as I have outlined today in an earlier reply. Specifically as regards the Cork centre, I am advised that the Blood Transfusion Service Board is fully committed to ensuring that it continues to meet standards of good manufacturing practice as required by the Irish Medicines Board. Officers of the BTSB are arranging to meet with the representatives of the Irish Medicines Board to agree a refurbishment programme in respect of the Cork centre. I expect this agreed programme to be finalised by the end of October and implementation to commence shortly thereafter.
Over and above the exercise referred to above, an option appraisal is required to assess whether the appropriate renewal of the Cork centre should be by way of major overhaul and extension of existing buildings, or by the provision of new premises. Such an appraisal will be considered by the board following implementation of the more immediate refurbishment works which will commence shortly.
As regards equipment and vehicle replacement, my Department has made available funding to enable the board purchase new equipment and replacement vehicles for the service, including the Cork centre.
