Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 94: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she is still committed to the provision of a new blood testing centre for Cork; and the funding which is available from her Department for such a centre in 2006. [22069/06]

Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 95: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will make a statement on the provision of a new blood testing centre in Cork; and the reason for the long delays in bringing this matter to commencement and a successful conclusion. [22070/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.

I fully support the development of a new Centre for the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) in Cork. There is provision in the Capital Investment Framework 2005-09 for the appointment of a design team and commencement of the planning process for the new Centre.

The project is the subject of ongoing consultations between the IBTS and my Department. At my request, the IBTS Board is re-assessing the scope of the project in view of changes in work practice and service needs since the initial development brief for the project was produced in March 2003. The Deputy may also wish to note that in 2004 the IBTS invested more than €3 million in the refurbishment of its Cork Centre to ensure compliance with good manufacturing practice (GMP) standards.