Sir, - I firmly agree with N. O'Brien (February 21st) that we should donate blood, especially at this time of continuing concern over low supplies.
It is, therefore, unfortunate and frustrating that the IBTS continues to refuse blood donations from gay men, thereby excluding thousands of willing potential donors.
Department of Health figures for January to June 2000 showed as many new cases of HIV among heterosexual women as among gay men, so the issue is clearly one of safe-sex practices and blood-testing, and not the donor's sexual orientation.
This blanket ban is discriminatory and insulting and helps nobody - least of all those patients whose vital operations have had to be cancelled or postponed due to lack of blood. - Yours, etc.,
ANDREW DAVISON,
Portmarnock,
Co Dublin.