Mr. Michael Conroy:

Approximately five years ago, we were in a much less developed position than we are now. We are now in a position where we need to develop a lot more. I mentioned in my opening statement the procurement service through ODTI, which was a whole new ball game on that side. We have had a number of developments in the transplant centres in the Mater, St. Vincent's and Beaumont. I will not go into the details, but there have been a number of investments over recent years.

Regarding intensive care, I mentioned the clinical leads and organ donor nurses, but quality officers have been brought in. I tend to think of this in terms of three legs to a stool. We have improved very much on the procurement side. We are reasonably well served on the transplant side. We could do with more resources.

We do not think the legislation on its own will cause a jump in numbers. The combination of all the things we are doing and the publicity will do that. The transplantation service in the three hospitals are reasonable well resourced at the moment but-----