Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support the Order of Business as outlined by the Leader. Last week, we had world blood donation day. This is a very important day when we get to highlight the importance of blood donation and thank all of those who give blood. The theme was to give blood and keep the world beating.

I want to highlight inequality and inequity in the system. At present in Ireland, gay men must abstain from sexual contact for a minimum of 12 months before they meet the criteria for donating blood. The same criteria do not apply to heterosexual blood donors. This is completely wrong. The best available scientific evidence and advances in testing technology mean the 12-month deferral period imposed exceeds what is required to maintain the safety of the blood supply. This is according to HIV Ireland. In Northern Ireland, the 12-month period was reduced to three months on 1 June 2020, bringing it in line with the rest of the UK. At least 17 countries have no restrictions whatever, including Italy, Spain and Hungary in the EU. This requirement is completely wrong and needs to be addressed. I would appreciate if the Leader would raise it.

The Bog of Allen in Kildare is unique in its scale and holds the potential for wonderful experiences. Last week, seven local and national environmental organisations presented their proposal for a major new 7,000 ha national peatlands park in Kildare and Offaly. The proposal is to rewild and restore cutaway peatlands, creating a national park similar to the Lake District in the UK, which raises billions of pounds for the UK economy and create tens of thousands of jobs in the community. The designation of this national park would be absolutely wonderful. The plan has already been presented to Departments and Kildare County Council and I would like the support of the Seanad for it.

The annual Women's Aid report was launched yesterday and, unsurprisingly, it showed an increase of 43% in contacts from those suffering domestic violence. Family law is particularly burdened and underresourced at present and I know we will face a tsunami. It is important that we get ahead of it as Covid eases, and it is particularly important that we get a second judge in Kildare to hear family law cases.