Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this important and urgent debate on organ donation. I thank my colleague, Deputy Tom Fleming, and the other Independent Deputies for bringing forward this motion and commend them on it. The motion shows how Independent Deputies can work together in respect of a very important issue such as organ donation. This motion contemplates humanity, the importance of care and the need for support both for individuals who are trying to stay alive and for their families. The bottom line is that we are trying to save lives. This motion is all about life and I commend the Government on accepting it. This is an important decision because it clearly demonstrates that it is possible for us all to unite around sensible proposals put forward by Opposition Deputies.

I was present in Croke Park last night with Deputy Joan Collins and representatives from all the political parties. The event we attended there was a very moving and professional one. We met Joe Brolly, Shane Finnegan and many other amazingly brave people, including Dr. David Hickey and Dr. Rory Dwyer from Beaumont Hospital. The individuals in question made a massive impression on all the Deputies present. They were sincere, professional and had their figures ready. The presentation they made was excellent. Above everything else, however, one was struck by their sincerity. I was extremely impressed by their presentation. My colleagues from across the political spectrum were both delighted and honoured to be present. When I heard that the Government had accepted the motion, I was absolutely delighted for the families and for everyone who has worked in respect of this matter. I met one particular little girl last evening who had a transplant and I was struck by the amazing and dramatic change which has occurred in her during the past nine months. As I stated, Joe Brolly was at the event, and he had donated a kidney to Shane Finnegan, who was also present. I understand that in the region of 470 people require transplants. This motion is about giving those individuals an opportunity to lead real lives. I take this opportunity to thank the GAA for its magnificent support for Joe Brolly and Shane Finnegan and I commend the organisation on allowing us to use its facilities.

In the context of the economic position, the cost of running the health service is a matter which regularly arises in the presence of the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly. The cost of keeping someone on dialysis for ten years is €750,000. If that person underwent a transplant, the position would be different. We should all make an effort to become donors. I have been one for a number of years. However, there is a need for public representatives to show leadership in respect of this matter. When one witnesses the impact a transplant can have on a family, then one realises the importance of what is being done.

A number of speakers, including Deputy Joan Collins, referred to the conditions which obtain. We have top quality doctors in this country, such as Dr. David Hickey, Dr. Rory Dwyer and others, but they need our support in the context of the provision of proper infrastructure. We must focus on matters of this nature. We have skilful individuals but we have a difficulty in that there has been an exodus of many of the top medical people out of Ireland. I have major concerns about this matter. We spend millions training these people and suddenly, as a result of the economic climate and issues relating to pay, they are going elsewhere to use their skills. This is an issue we need to consider carefully.

I am very close to Dr. David Hickey, who does a great deal of work with the health service in Cuba. Beaumont Hospital, which is located in my constituency, has many links and is involved in many projects with the health service in that country. People might not necessarily agree with everything that goes on in Cuba but their health and education systems are world class. We can definitely learn something from them. I recall having a pint with a medical student in Havana on one of my visits there. There is no smoking ban in that city but I will not go into that matter now. The student in question told me that as part of his training as a doctor, each summer he is sent into the mountains to work with poor families on a voluntary basis. When doctors in Cuba qualify, they work in the health service and give a commitment to it. This is almost regarded as being a patriotic duty. We have top class doctors and nurses in this country and we should look after and develop them.

One hears a great deal of criticism of the North. If, however, Sinn Féin, the DUP, the Alliance Party and the Ulster Unionist Party can agree on this issue, there is no reason we cannot do so. I am glad that all the parties on the two parts of this island have come together on this matter. "Make Life Your Legacy" is the slogan used by campaigners in this area. A good infrastructure for organ donation and transplantation is in place in the North. There is now a proposal for a modern, fit-for-purpose organ donation system here in the South. We also need a stable donation transportation infrastructure.

It is important that we should learn from what has happened in the North. In that context, on 5 February, the Executive formally announced that it is moving forward with its legislative plan. All of the parties in the Northern Ireland Assembly fully support the proposal and it has been endorsed by the British Medical Association, BMA. All the patient groups, including the Northern Ireland Kidney Patients Association, the Northern Ireland Transplant Association, the UK Heart Foundation, and others, support it. An all-party group comprising Assembly Members, clinicians in the relevant fields and leaders of the patients' associations was formed at Stormont on 24 of February 2013 with a view to spearheading the move towards the new system and dealing with all the other relevant issues. Public consultation is to be announced shortly and the Executive's ambition is to have the new legislation in place by the end of 2014.

The Assembly is working closely with these groups.

The proposed legislation has two components. The aim is a system that accurately reflects the view of society that organ donation is a good act and thereby maximises the number of donors after death. Under this system, we would all start as donors. Those who do not wish to be donors after death will be able to register their objection by opting out of consideration for donation online. Importantly, this will be a confidential process. Have I gone over time?

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