Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 122: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to an application for research funding submitted by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service to the Health Research Board for a screening programme on haemochromatosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9755/06]

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will request the Irish Blood Transfusion Service to review its decision not to accept blood donations from people with haemochromatosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9797/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 123 together.

My Department has been informed by the Irish Haemochromatosis Association that a proposal for a screening programme was developed by St. James's Hospital in conjunction with the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, IBTS, in 2005, but was not successful in obtaining research funding from the Health Research Board. I am not aware that another application has been made for funding in 2006.

The IBTS does not currently accept blood donations from people with haemochromatosis. Blood donors must donate on a voluntary basis and a significant reason donations are not taken from people with haemochromatosis is that blood is taken from them as part of the treatment for their condition rather than for the specific purpose of donating. The IBTS is working with the Irish Haemochromatosis Association to identify practicable solutions that would address the concerns of people with haemochromatosis in this regard.

I have set up a working group comprising key experts with representation from my Department and chaired by Dr .Maurice Manning, president of the Irish Human Rights Commission, which will meet for the first time next Monday to examine the issues above and others relating to haemochromatosis. The analysis by this group and its recommendations should help to progress matters for the Irish Haemochromatosis Association and persons with this condition.