Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael)

I would like to discuss how we need to broaden the donor base for critical blood supplies. We have all heard this morning how the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is calling for people to donate blood, such is its enormous fear that it might have to go into an amber alert in the next few days. Ireland has never been in an amber alert for donating blood. It would mean that elective surgeries would have to stop, which none of us wants to see.

There are a few thing we can do when it comes to donating blood. The average age of someone donating blood in Ireland is 46. It is time to educate people in secondary schools and colleges about the value of donating blood. When I donate blood, I get a text message to tell me my blood has gone somewhere and is going to help save someone. It is just the most amazing feeling. It is like that feeling when you give someone a present at Christmas or for their birthday.There is nothing nicer than giving, and giving blood is the ultimate thing people can do. Maybe we could look at educating people and look at the age limit that applies. The maximum age up to which people can donate blood is 65. Given that we are living longer, should we look at extending that? Should we consider the need to communicate in different languages in light of the diverse population we have? Another thing we might need to look at is speaking to employers to see if they could give employees even two hours of paid leave each year to allow them to give blood. It only takes about two hours to do make a donation, and it is very important.

The other matter I wish to raise is the fact that I am a bit disappointed in the potential no-confidence motion in the Tánaiste, Deputy Harris. I am new to all of this. I am a new Senator, but I have been a very proud to be a member of Fine Gael for the past few years and I am very proud to work with Simon Harris. He is such a hard worker. He is an amazing teacher, in a way, if you look at his politics and how he operates. It is sad when something like this happens. We have record levels of employment and fewer than ever people on hospital waiting lists. We are doing so much for the country in government, and that needs to be recognised. I know Peadar Tóibín; I grew up with him. He is a very good politician and has been a friend of mine for years. I am disappointed in what is happening today. I hope we can move on from it, get back to work, get back to doing what we need to do in government and get back to being good politicians who do not give out about each other but who work together to achieve the right result.