Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I am thankful for my having been allowed time to speak today because I am not a member of the Joint Committee on Health and Children and, therefore, was not involved directly with the discussions and debate. However, I have been keeping an eye on the debate because it is of particular interest to me. The Minister made a point in his contribution that it is sometimes hard to grasp the emotion of somebody who is waiting for the telephone call and for the ambulance to take him or her to hospital. One must consider the daily lives of the patient's family and the patient's efforts to stay well, which include dietary and other measures. At times, a patient is brought to hospital only to be sent home again. It is deflating for the family and it can be quite an experience. The soft opt-out arrangement will really transform the lives of those waiting for a transplant of any organ. It will be revolutionary for patients if we put in place the necessary staff, infrastructure and supports.

There is always a budgetary aspect to be considered but this is secondary to a person's long-term health. It is an economic matter, however, because a state that must provide long-term care for the very ill ends up spending more in the longer term. The alternative, which can be only good, is to have infrastructure in place that can transform people's lives, including their financial lives.

The €2.9 million is greatly welcome. It has allowed for the appointment of staff working on organ donation and the supporting of families in honouring the decisions of their loved ones who have died. What more does the Minister believe is needed to strengthen the infrastructure in Beaumont, the Mater and St. Vincent's hospitals? This infrastructure is crucial if we are to sustain the soft opt-out arrangement.

The most pertinent question for me concerns the timeframe for the introduction of the human tissue legislation. It is needed and should be introduced as quickly as possible. When does the Minister believe it will be introduced? It will allow for the legislation on the opt-out arrangement and become part of the State's thinking on organ donation. Not everybody is in agreement with what is proposed. There are still people opposed to the opt-out arrangement and even the Irish Kidney Association is not convinced about it. If more of us send out a positive message on what is a gift for life, an increasing number of people will realise the approach is correct and support it. It is crucial that we send out the message that organ donation transforms patients' lives and those of their families, including extended families. Everybody is involved, including friends and workmates.

New transplant consultants in the Mater hospital have made a big impact on changing the attitude of staff towards transplantation. There is now a machine with which one can wash out lungs. This is certainly transformational for those awaiting transplants.

When will the human tissue legislation be introduced? Is there a date set? The Minister said the Department is working on it. What resources will be needed to cater for more organs entering the hospital system? How does the Minister envisage the support being developed? Hospital infrastructure will be very important. Can the Minister put more meat on the bones in this regard so people will have a better understanding of how progress will occur in the near future?

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