REGULATIONS governing blood and blood products in all EU states were needed to restore public confidence, the Minister for Health said in Adare, Co Limerick yesterday.
Mr Noonan was opening a two day seminar of EU blood experts, "Blood safety and self sufficiency an agenda for the European Community", as part of the Irish Presidency of the EU. Its aim is to heighten public awareness of blood safety and make recommendations for member states.
The Minister said issues like hepatitis C had lessened the public's trust in blood transfusions and blood products. Procedures for quality assurance, licensing and inspection of blood transfusion centres varied. "There is a lack of confidence in some member states regarding the standards of quality and safety of blood in other member states, which undoubtedly has serious implications for the attainment of the goal of self sufficiency", he said.
The seminar would continue the work of improving EU blood standards and self sufficiency.