Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 February 2010
200 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Education and Science his policy regarding staff who donate blood during normal working hours; if staff are required to clock out when giving blood; the measures that are in place to encourage staff to donate blood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8512/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of our corporate social responsibility, and mindful that maintaining the blood donor panel is a major challenge, my Department has for many years supported the efforts of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS). The IBTS normally contacts my Department on an annual basis appealing for voluntary blood donations. The personnel section e-mails all staff setting out the proposed date for blood donations and asking for those who wish to donate to inform personnel and indicating their preferred time. Personnel then co-ordinates this information and informs the IBTS of the number of staff members who have volunteered. Staff are facilitated to attend the IBTS on the day and, where appropriate, credit is given to staff on the flexi system.
