Gay men's blood ban under review, Minister confirms
The Health Minister has confirmed that the ban on gay men donating blood is under review.
Leo Varadkar said a report on the rule - which bans a man who has had sex with another man - is due to be published within the next two months.
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service said the rules for donation are under constant review, and a list of options is being compiled for the Chief Medical Officer.
Minister Leo Varadkar said whatever decision is taken will be based on scientific facts.
"There is a review under way, and I think they're due to make a report to me some time this month or next month," he said.
"But whatever is done will be based on the science. I think it's always important to bear in mind that when it comes to blood transfusion, the person taking the risk is not the person donating - it's the person getting the transfusion."
The review comes as the Irish Blood Transfusion Service launches its Christmas appeal, with 15,000 donations sought by the New Year.
As it stands, any man who has had sex with another man is subject to a lifetime ban on donating blood. The measure dates back to the 1980s and was part of an effort to reduce the spread of HIV infection.
However, in recent years a number of countries have removed or reduced the ban.
