Minister announces phased changes to blood donation rules for gay men

More than 400 units of blood are being imported into Ireland this week in response to a shortage in supply.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has announced a gradual change to rules around blood donations by gay men.

Since 2017, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has had a one-year deferral for men who have sex with other men in order for them to donate blood.