The Irish Blood Transfusion Service says the continuous supply of safe blood and blood products to patients in hospitals is its priority.
In its annual report, the board says that maintaining an adequate and consistent blood supply requires constant vigilance.
The number of donations increased in 2005 over the previous year by 1.4% however, demand also increased by 1.9%.
The board's Chairperson, Maura McGrath, says that supply and demand for blood is constantly changing.
In the first six months of this year, there has been an increase of 1.2% in the number of red cells and nearly 9% in the number of platelets issued to hospitals.
