Blood Transfusion Service 'sold blood without donors’ consent'

It has emerged that the Irish Blood Transfusion Service sold donated blood and blood products to 23 pharmaceutical firms without the consent of donors.

The practice, which was only brought to a complete end in March of 2002, was carried out over a 20-year period during which time more than €100,000 reportedly changed hands.

The Minister for Health Mary Harney last night said she was shocked to hear about the practice.

Ms Harney said that while pharmaceutical companies want to do research for the benefit of bringing new products into the marketplace, donors must be given due regard.