A gay man has brought a High Court challenge against the Irish Blood Transfusion Service policy which prevents him from donating blood unless he abstains from having sex for a year.

The health minister’s decision to end the permanent ban on blood donations by gay men has lead to a young man withdrawing his High Court challenge to the ban.

There is speculation the Irish Blood Transfusion Service Board (IBTS) may recommend lifting the lifetime ban on gay men donating blood when they meet later today.