Vol. 542 No. 5
279 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has had discussions with the Irish Medicines Board and the Irish Blood Transfusion Service regarding the medicines board's concern that it will need resources to fully implement a proposed new EU directive in 2002 on the quality of blood products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24875/01]
Detailed discussions are taking place involving the Irish Medicines Board, IMB, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, IBTS, and my Department concerning the implications, including resources, of the proposed new directive of the European Parliament and the Council. The draft directive is about setting EU standards of quality and safety for the collection, testing, processing, storage and distribution of blood and blood components. It is an important EU initiative which is supported by the IMB, IBTS and my Department. I assure the Deputy that resources necessary to implement the provisions of the directive will be made available. The proposed new directive is a major item for discussion at the Council of Health Ministers meeting on 15 November, 2001.
