Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 March 2018
346. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide funding for mobile blood donation vans to travel to workplaces and schools in an effort to increase blood supplies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13678/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe IBTS has three fixed donation centres: D'Olier Street and Stillorgan in Dublin and St Finbar's Hospital in Cork. Mobile clinic teams travel to various locations to provide people with an opportunity to donate blood. Clinics are held in venues such as community centres, hotels, school buildings and GAA halls. Clinics are held in the afternoons and evenings in the effort to maximise donations.
The IBTS provides transport for employees to and from their fixed donation centres in Dublin and Cork under their Bloodworks initiative. The IBTS also runs clinics at some workplaces where a lot of people are employed. This provides an opportunity for staff to make a blood donation during working hours.
As blood donors must be over 18, the IBTS does not seek donations from schools. The IBTS has developed specific material to raise awareness of blood donation among students. This material is available for teachers and students on the IBTS website (www.giveblood.ie).
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) derives its funding from the sale of blood and blood products.
