Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will consider requesting that the Health Service Executive to extend the clinic opening hours for the donation of blood platelet donations to cover at least one weekend per calendar month in view of the fact that the current arrangements make it very difficult for potential donators to attend on a regular basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15978/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) remit is to provide a safe and reliable blood service to the Irish health system. Blood, and the products derived from it, are an integral facet of health care delivery. A major objective of the organisation is to ensure that it always has the necessary programmes and procedures in place to protect both the donors of blood and recipients of blood and blood products.

I have been informed by the IBTS that their current collection model for platelets is meeting demand. They have no plans at this time to open weekend platelet collection clinics but this matter is under constant review.