S.L. 483.5 Art. 3Derogations.

(1) When confronted with a serious risk of shortage or actual shortage in the supply of blood and blood components directly due to the A (H1N1) pandemic the blood establishment may temporarily by way of derogation:

(a) from point 1.2 of Annex III to Directive 2004/33/EC, reduce the minimum haemoglobin levels in donors’ blood to no less than 120 g/l for females and 130 g/l for males;

(b) from point 2.2.1 of Annex III to Directive 2004/33/EC, apply a deferral period of no less than seven days after cessation of symptoms of a flu-like illness.

(2) The implementation of the aforementioned derogations shall apply only:

(a) when and after the Licensing Authority declares a state of serious risk of shortage or an actual shortage of blood and blood components directly related to the A(H1N1) pandemic; and

(b) up to the 30th June, 2010.

(3) Any reference, in any other legislation, to the articles in Annex III of Directive 2004/33/EC, shall be construed i the light of the provisions of these regulations.