People are being urged to give blood as Friday marked World Blood Donor Day.

The day, designated by the World Health Organisation (WHO), is to raise awareness of the need for blood donation.

This year it is being hosted by Rwanda and the theme of the campaign is 'Safe Blood for All'.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is working closely with the Irish Haemochromatosis Association (IHA) on a new initiative to make it possible for people with Haemochromatosis (HH) to attend blood donation clinics nationwide.

"HH patients now have the opportunity to become blood donors at any one of our clinics throughout the country", the IBTS said.

"For these patients, it is a chance to save a life."

It is also asking donors to encourage others to donate by taking a photograph at the clinic with the World Blood Donor Day caption.

Health Minister Simon Harris said: "I want to acknowledge the generosity of blood donors and thank them for the contribution that they make to the Irish health service.

"Every year about 1% of the population needs a blood transfusion and one in four of us will require blood at some point during our lives.

"The Irish Blood Transfusion Service needs 3,000 blood donations every week to meet demand and the ready availability of this blood for transfusion is vital to the daily treatment of patients in our hospitals throughout the country."

"To ensure that the Irish Blood Transfusion Service maintains a supply to meet hospital demands over the summer period, I am urging all blood donors, and those who would like to be blood donors, to visit their nearest clinic and to give blood."

Further information on donor eligibility and venues can be found here