Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 May 1999

Vol. 504 No. 7

Written Answers. - Blood Donors.

Alan Shatter

Question:

237 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will ensure that the Blood Transfusion Service Board responds within reasonable time to queries made to it by blood donors and, in particular, to a query from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 14 who has been a blood donor for 45 years who wrote to the board to inquire whether he should continue to be a blood donor after attaining the age of 65 and received no response to this inquiry in spite of a number of reminders. [12903/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I have been advised that the donor referred to by the Deputy was written to on 13 May 1999 by a consultant haematologist at the Blood Transfusion Service Board. The letter advised the donor that he may continue to donate up to his 70th year assuming that his general practitioner certifies that he is fit to do so. The Blood Transfusion Service Board will reimburse any general practitioner fees incurred. The consultant apologised for the delay in replying to the original query of 25 March 1999 and expressed appreciation in respect of his continued support as a donor.