Mr. John Lynch:

The committee will be aware that the IMB is the competent authority for the authorisation of the organ centres and the National Procurement Service. We have no specific view on whether there should be an opt-out of the consent process. As a State agency, it is appropriate for us to work within whatever system the Government decides. However, we emphasise the importance of a robust system of consent to ensure the safety and quality of the organs so that the recipient is protected. We agree that members of the public need a clear explanation about what the opt-out system entails and what safeguards are in place for the donor or the donor's family in the event that the donor is unable to make a decision.