I propose to take Questions Nos. 860 and 861 together.
The most suitable bone marrow donors are fully matched family members. There is no reimbursement scheme in place for related bone marrow donors. A statutory daily charge of €80 is levied (up to a maximum of €800 annually) where a person has been referred to a hospital for an in-patient service, including that provided on a day case basis. Medical card holders are exempt from this charge.
If a suitable donor is not available within the family, it is necessary to seek an unrelated donor. The Irish Blood Transfusion Service maintains a register of people who are willing to donate their marrow - the Irish Unrelated Bone Marrow Registry. The Irish Unrelated Bone Marrow Registry covers all hospitals costs and reimburses any expenses incurred by the donor.