The Tánaiste and Minister for Health has appealed for people to donate blood following the Irish Blood Transfusion Service's request that hospitals cancel surgery due to a shortage.
"Blood donors make an essential contribution to society. Every week, hundreds of patients in hospitals throughout the country are helped in their recovery by the ready availability of blood. We cannot take it for granted that blood will always be available when we need it without the generosity of donors," Ms Harney said.
"Through the generosity shown by blood donors, people who are seriously ill can receive the treatment they require. Every year, about 2 per cent of the entire population needs a blood transfusion, and one in four of us will require blood at some point in our lives. The gift of blood which donors provide makes a vital difference to people in need and I would encourage everyone, especially young people, to consider becoming regular donors."
It has been reported that a number of IBTS donor clinics are busy today following news that the hospitals had been asked to cancel elective surgery for the next four to five days.
It is the first time in more than three years that the body has had to make such a request.
IBTS needs some 3,000 units of blood each week but total blood stock at the beginning of this week was just 1,885 units, a crisis point for blood supply.
A minimum of 800 units of O+ blood is needed each week, but just 425 units are available. There are just 242 units of A+ blood, although some 450 units are needed each week.
Would-be donors can find out more information from the IBTS information line on 1850 731137 or at www.ibts.ie