Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Victor Boyhan for raising this important issue. Before I respond to him, I pay tribute to all who donate blood to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. This fantastic service saves many lives. We all know of friends and family members who have benefited from it. I am taking this commencement debate on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, so I will raise the points made by the Senator when I speak to him.

I thank the Senator for raising this issue and for giving me the opportunity to address the House. The remit of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is to provide a safe, reliable and robust blood service to the Irish health system. Blood and the products derived from it are an integral part of our health care delivery. A major objective of the IBTS is to enure that it always has the necessary programmes and procedures in place to protect both the donors and the recipients of blood and blood products. The Department of Finance published a revised code of practice for the governance of State bodies in May 2009. The code defines corporate governance as comprising the systems and procedures by which enterprises are directed and managed. State bodies must serve the interests of the taxpayer, pursue for value for money in their endeavours and act transparently as public entities.The boards and the management of State bodies must accept accountability for the proper management of the organisations involved. State bodies and their subsidiaries are required to confirm to the relevant Minister that they comply with the up-to-date requirements of the code in their governance practices and procedures.

In regard to the procurement issue, the IBTS has confirmed in writing in respect of 2015 that requirements for public procurement are understood and adhered to; appropriate attention is given to, and adequate procedures are in place for ensuring compliance with procurement policy and guidelines; EU directives and national regulations on procurement are being complied with; and a corporate procurement plan is in place in accordance with the national public procurement framework. This procurement plan reinforces the IBTS's commitment to effective and efficient resource allocation and service provision to all its customers.

A copy of the annual accounts of the IBTS and the auditor's certificate and report thereon must also be presented to the Minister. The IBTS financial statements are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas, and the 2014 statements were laid on 5 October 2015. The 2015 statements will be laid very very shortly. Every effort will continue to be made to ensure robust governance is in place in the IBTS, including in regard to procurement.