Varadkar to consider lifting ban on gay men donating blood
Minister for Health Leo Varadkar is to consult with the country's Chief Medical Officer before considering lifting the ban on gay men donating blood.
Minister Varadkar is considering a report on the issue and said that any change should be carefully considered and based on the "best medical evidence".
The Haemophilia Society has said that everything should be done to protect blood supplies.
Minister Varadkar says he has not yet made up his mind and will consult with experts before making a decision.
"Any decision that's made should be made on the grounds of science," he said.
"This is an issue of patient safety and medical science, not an equality issue, in my view.
"Of course, we always need to bear in mind that when it comes to blood transfusion, it's the person receiving the blood that takes the risk, not the person donating it,
"So this decision will be made in consultation with others and it will be made on scientific grounds."
