Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the witnesses for their presentations. They have outlined circumstances which would trouble anyone with a shred of decency or concern for human rights. It is horrific to consider the number of people involved. I recall that Mr. Gutmann made a presentation to the committee some years ago. He indicated this morning that he underestimated the numbers of victims of this particular practice at that time.

Mr. Bughda used the phrase "buy one get one free". In civilised society, we never thought such a phrase would be applicable to human organs. It is frightening that this practice is taking place.Trafficking of human organs is truly reprehensible and utterly demeaning of human life. It is a deplorable activity, which has developed into a global problem that violates human rights and the dignity of individuals.

We are Members of a Parliament that represents a small population. However, as I am sure will be reflected in members' contributions, we have an attachment to human rights and the dignity of the individual. The witnesses have engaged regularly with the joint committee, both at formal and private meetings, and all members are concerned about the activities they describe.

International co-operation is needed on this matter. Ireland signed the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs in 2015. A legislative process is needed to implement the convention and the Department of Health must introduce certain legislative measures. While I am not au fait with the status of these legislative measures, we can engage with the Department and Minister to ensure there are no unforeseen delays in introducing these measures.

The presence of Dr. McDaid and Dr. O'Seaghda brings a national perspective to this issue. Through our work as public representatives, all members are well aware of the excellence of the services provided in the hospitals in which the two doctors work and the many patients throughout the island who are thankful for the work done by their teams and colleagues. Their presence reinforces the importance of this issue. Dr. O'Seaghda indicated he was aware of one person on this island who was involved in organ harvesting.