Billy Timmins
Question:69 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, taken by him to date to implement the recommendations of the Finlay report relating to the Blood Transfusion Service Board. [19828/97]
Vol. 483 No. 2
69 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, taken by him to date to implement the recommendations of the Finlay report relating to the Blood Transfusion Service Board. [19828/97]
123 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, taken by him to date to implement the recommendations of the Finlay report relating to the Blood Transfusion Service Board. [19964/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 123 together.
The report of the Tribunal of Inquiry into the Blood Transfusion Service Board, which was published in March 1997, made six key recommendations and the following is the current position in relation to their implementation:
1. BTSB's Development Plan
The BTBS's development plan details a major renewal, reorganisation and investment programme over the coming years. Implementation of the key elements of the plan are progressing as a matter of priority.
As regards the construction of new national headquarters at St. James's Hospital, Dublin, I understand that a detailed sketch design has been agreed with the board and an application for full planning permission was submitted to Dublin Corporation on 30 October 1997. It is expected that the building contract will be placed for tender in November. The cost projection is £25 million. In respect of the Cork centre, an investment programme will involve upgrading or replacing existing buildings.
A new information technology department has been established at the BTSB and it expects to complete contract negotiations for a new software system shortly with a leading international supplier. My Department will be making available approximately £2 million to support the accelerated implementation of this new IT system. Significant new appointments have been made recently in the medical scientific and technical, and Quality Assurance areas. My Department will continue to work closely with the board to provide support and rapid decision making in relation to the implementation of the plan.
2/3. Monitoring of the BTSB by the Irish Medicines Board and the reporting of abnormal reactions
Arrangements have already been put in place to conduct more regular inspections at the BTSB as recommended by the tribunal. In relation to the separate annual report to be prepared by the Irish Medicines Board, I understand that a report will be submitted to me by the end of this year concerning the outcome of these inspections and any report of abnormal reactions or blood product transfusion. The Irish Medicines Board and my Department will have consultations with regard to the appropriate format of this annual report which I will publish.