Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 22 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 5

Written Answers. - Finlay Report.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

66 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will act on the recommendation of the 1997 Finlay blood tribunal for the establishment of a blood consumers' council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10465/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I am fully committed to the implementation of the recommendations of the Finlay report and I have made available considerable resources for that purpose. The Finlay report considered that a blood service consumers' council could make a major contribution to the maintenance of public confidence in the supply of blood and blood products. The membership of the proposed council, according to the report, should comprise recipients of anti-D treatment, haemophiliacs and suffers from kidney disease. These groups are currently represented by Positive Action, Transfusion Positive, the Irish Haemophilia Society and the Irish Kidney Association on the Consultative Council on hepatitis C. This council was established on a statutory basis in November 1996 to advise the Minister on all aspects of hepatitis C.

In July 1998, I established the National Blood Users Group to support the development of best transfusion practice in hospitals and to address patients' attitudes and concerns about trans fusion. A national haemovigilance structure has also been established involving the Irish Medicines Board, the Blood Transfusion Service Board and representatives of hospitals to oversee improvements in transfusion practice. The principle aim of these initiatives is to improve blood safety and ensure that transfusion practice is in line with best international standards. I am at present considering how best the interests of recipients of blood and blood products can be promoted while avoiding unnecessary duplication in the existing roles and responsibilities of the various statutory and non-statutory bodies working in this field.