Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 85: To ask the Minister for Transport his policy regarding staff who donate blood during normal working hours; if staff are required to clock out when giving blood; the measures that are in place to encourage staff to donate blood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8520/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department organises periodic visits to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service at their Blood Clinic on D'Olier St, Dublin 2, for any staff who wish to donate blood.

Staff who have to leave the office during working hours are required, in principle, to clock out and clock back in on returning. A manager may however authorise staff to leave the building without clocking out for official purposes.

All staff in my Department are e-mailed periodically to encourage them to give blood. My Department considers blood donation to be a commendable individual undertaking and facilitates staff to donate blood by way of an authorised absence during office hours.