Around one in eight people still refuse to donate blood because of past scandals that have affected the blood service, according to the results of a new poll by irishhealth.com.

We asked our 30,600 plus registered users why they think most Irish people have never donated blood.

Of those who voted, 28% said a fear of needles was the main reason, 15% said they did not have the time, while 8% said they feared their blood test results.

Altogether 37% voted for 'other reasons'. These included the current ban on some donors who lived in Britain for a time and laziness.

Also, 12% of people said they would not donate blood because of anger over past scandals. The findings come as the hepatitis C/Anti-D infection scandal is the subject of major TV drama series on RTE.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) estimates that around 1.2 million Irish people are eligible to donate blood, however only 100,000 people currently donate. For information on your nearest blood donor clinic, check local press for details or telephone 1850 73 11 37.

Brenda Fricker - who plays a character in the TV drama 'No tears' based on Brigid McCole, the first woman to die from infection with hepatitis C from contaminated Anti-D product.

Part two of 'No Tears' will be shown on RTE One at 9.30 tonight.

See the full poll results and the big debate on the issue at…