Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 31 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 2

Written Answers. - Blood Transfusion Service.

Bernard Allen

Question:

116 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has had discussions with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service Board regarding its decision to permanently disregard blood donors who lived in the United Kingdom for six months or more from 1980-96; and if he has discussed the implications of that decision with them. [2659/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

In my reply to a Parliamentary Question on 13 December 2000, I informed the Deputy that on 12 December I met the chairperson, chief executive officer and the national medical director of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service – IBTS – and was briefed concerning a number of strategies which the board is considering to further reduce or minimise the possible risk of transmission of vCJD by blood transfusion.

One of the measures which is under consideration and in respect of which a final decision has not been taken by the board, concerns the deferral of donors who resided in the United Kingdom for a cumulative period of six months or more between 1980 and 1996. As the Deputy is aware, the IBTS is also considering the deferral of donors who themselves have had a blood transfusion; such donors are deferred at present for a period of 12 months after a transfusion. Deferrals of donors in such combined circumstances would reduce the current donor pool by approximately 20-25% which would have serious implications for the hospital services and consequently for patient care. The IBTS is also considering additional measures to reduce the current level of outdating of red cells at the IBTS and at hospitals, increase the current donor base and replace plasma and cryoprecipitate – a plasma derived product – with similar products from BSE-free areas. The IBTS is discussing this product replacement strategy with the Irish Medicines Board, the regulatory authority for medicinal products.

In considering additional measures to reduce or minimise a possible risk of vCJD, there is a balance of risks involved. Implementation of measures outlined above could result in a sustained shortage of blood which would have significant implications for patient safety. Given the need to take full account of the balance of risks involved, the IBTS has arranged a special conference for 15 February which will involve national and international experts on vCJD and blood transfusion. The conference will consider existing and planned strategies of the IBTS relevant to vCJD and a special board meeting has been arranged for 28 February to consider the outcome of the conference and decide on the most appropriate strategies in the light of the expert opinion. The IBTS will also liaise with the CJD Advisory Group in relation to any proposals relevant to vCJD which it proposes to implement.

As I advised the Deputy on 13 December 2000, the measures under consideration could have major implications for the current activities of the IBTS. I have assured the board that I will ensure it is adequately resourced to introduce new measures which are considered necessary to further improve blood safety.