126 Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism his policy regarding staff who donate blood during normal working hours; if staff are required to clock out when giving blood; the measures that are in place to encourage staff to donate blood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8508/10]

The Department participates in various blood donation campaigns organised by the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS).

Information in relation to the blood donation campaigns is circulated periodically in the Department in Dublin and transportation to the D'Olier Street clinic is organised by the IBTS for staff of the Department who wish to donate.

Posters and flyers supplied by the IBTS are displayed and circulated in the Department's building in Killarney in advance of blood clinics arriving in the area to encourage staff to donate blood at the clinics.

Staff who donate blood during normal working hours are not required to clock out.