Bernard Allen
Question:509 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he is concerned at the recent reports that blood donations have dropped by over 10%; and the steps he will take in this regard. [19256/00]
Written Answers. - Blood Transfusion Service.
I am advised that there are sufficient stocks of blood available at the Irish Blood Transfusion Service – IBTS – to meet current hospital requirements. Donations levels have dropped in recent weeks due in large part to the involvement of donors in preparing their children for a return to school. The IBTS is implementing a number of initiatives to address this situation which include more radio and print media advertising, the establishment of a new mobile collection in Carlow and the appointment of a donor recruitment officer who will concentrate on recruiting donors and developing the schools programme.