Mr. Mark Murphy:

There is a problem, however. A paired programme was mentioned and there is a paired exchange programme that is nothing to do with altruistic donations. Where a husband or wife is not compatible to donate to the other, they can go to the British paired exchange system. In this case, the husband may give his organ to a stranger and the stranger gives his to the man's wife. It is a great system and the British have invited us into the system. They benefit because they get a transplant out of it as well. The system was to move to Northern Ireland about three years ago but it has not been able to do so because there is no one in Stormont to sign off on it. The Irish travel to Coventry and expenses are paid by the Department for the transplant but it would be far easier for everyone if they could go to Belfast, and there would probably be no air travel. The programme there is very successful and we would love it to be available. The idea of a whole-Ireland procurement and transplant service makes so much sense that it will probably never happen. This is nothing to do with Brexit but I do not expect to see it in my lifetime. The EU has very little to do with it, and Brexit also has little to do with the health service. We are not expecting the health service to be interfered with. Our children's hearts, lungs and livers are transplanted in the UK under its deceased donor programmes and we are very grateful for that. There is no expectation that it will change whatsoever.