Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Since 2005, 121 people who would otherwise have died due to vital organ failure have been able to lead active lives because of the generosity of donors and their families. A couple of miles away lies Beaumont Hospital, which has for many years taken into its care people who have suffered serious brain injuries resulting in there being no hope for their survival. Eventually, decisions are taken by their loved ones to switch off their life support, which was artificially keeping them alive. Many of those loved ones must decide on whether to allow the deceased's vital organs to be used for transplantation. Thankfully, many make this decision, but many more do not, perhaps because of immense grief or a lack of knowledge of the deceased's wishes.

I understand the Government is supporting this motion. I welcome its commitment to introduce an opt-out system of organ donation with a view to improving the availability of organs for patients in need of transplantation. The opt-out system of consent will ensure the health professionals involved will not actively need to seek the deceased's family's express consent for organ donation. Instead, consent will be presumed unless the person has, while alive, registered a wish not to become an organ donor after death. People will be reassured by the fact that families will be consulted. If they have objections, the donation will not proceed. This is a welcome provision.

I welcome the new initiative from the Department of Health and the Road Safety Authority, RSA, which will allow people to indicate on their driver licences if they are willing to be organ donors. While the number of donations has been increasing in Ireland in recent years, we are facing a constant challenge to increase the number of people who carry organ donor cards. Many people may be willing to be organ donors, but they might not have donor cards or have discussed the topic with their families.

The year 2011 was a landmark one for organ donation, with 93 deceased organ donors allowing for 248 organ transplants to take place. This record will improve in the coming years, something that will be allowed for by the Government initiatives to which I alluded as well as others that I do not have the time to cover. I commend the motion to the House. I also commend my colleagues in the Technical Group for using their time to highlight an important issue.

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