Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the policy of not using blood regularly taken from patients with haemochromatosis for transfusion for other patients is being re-considered; if she will initiate discussion in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20460/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The IBTS provides phlebotomy for people with haemochromatosis on a weekly basis in Dublin. Donors are referred from their consultant for initial screening for suitability for blood donation. The donors are reviewed once per year by the referring consultant, but are otherwise cared for by the IBTS clinical staff. The service was initially set up as a pilot in 2007, but has become an established service following the success of the pilot scheme. The clinic has the capacity at the present time to provide a service for up to 600 blood donors with haemochromatosis. Blood collected at this clinic is treated in the same way as all other blood collected by the IBTS. The IBTS does not offer the service to people who would otherwise have to pay for phlebotomy, on the basis that it could be seen as offering a degree of financial incentive to donate blood. This would be contrary to good practice and to the requirements of European law on promoting unremunerated donations.

The IBTS is considering the options and opportunities for an expansion of its service for haemochromatosis patients throughout the country, and is exploring this position with stakeholders at present.