A time limit on gay and bisexual men from donating blood is being lifted today.
Until earlier this year, men who had sex with men had to wait a year before giving blood - before being reduced to four months.
A new system, which will require all donors to answer questions on their sexual activity, is being introduced today.
The Irish Blood Transfusion Service says the new system called Individual Donor Risk Assessment, is similar to what was introduced in the UK in 2021.
Dr Tor Hervig, Medical and Scientific Director of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service, says “This is a fairer way to assess donor risk. Using a donor’s individual behaviours to determine if that person is eligible to donate makes the process fairer for all donors and more inclusive while maintaining the safety of the blood supply.
Dr Hervig, says "every donor will be asked the same questions about their sexual activity, regardless of the donor’s gender or sexual orientation, or those of his/her partner”.
