Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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128. To ask the Minister for Health if there is a system in place to allow those with haemochromatosis to donate blood instead of it being disposed of; his plans for such a system to be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12221/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has in recent years developed haemochromatosis services in its Stillorgan and D'Olier Street clinics in Dublin, as well as in its Cork clinic. This has facilitated the cost-effective treatment of many people with this common disorder. The service is provided free of charge to patients. The IBTS also benefits through the patients becoming blood donors in all cases where normal blood donation criteria is met.

The IBTS is planning to introduce a mobile clinic model for haemochromatosis patients in Limerick later this year. If this model proves successful the intention is to use it more widely through other mobile clinics.