asked the Minister for Health if he will, in conjunction with the Health Education Bureau, give increased publicity to the activities of the Blood Transfusion Service Board, with a view to encouraging more donors and advocating good citizenship.

I understand that the Blood Transfusion Service Board have an effective donor organisation section which has been very successful in publicising the need for blood donors and has enabled the board to maintain blood donations at a level sufficient to meet their needs. The board receive excellent co-operation from the media.

In the circumstances I do not consider that there is a need for the measures suggested by the Deputy.

Will the Minister ensure that every encouragement, particularly by way of finance, is given to this body whose services have earned us a worldwide reputation? Basically what I have in mind is a financial contribution for the purpose of helping them in their efforts.

We look after them adequately. There has not been any complaint from them.

Are they in receipt of a subvention?

We look after them.

Has the Minister any idea of the amount of subvention they receive?

I cannot say offhand what the amount is.

Will the Minister let us have the figure?

Yes. I will let the Deputy know the amount of the expenditure involved from public funds.