Seanad debates

Tuesday, 6 April 2004

10:30 am

John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

A campaign is currently under way to promote the carrying of organ donor cards. Last week, many Members from both sides of the House attended a function run by the IrishKidney Association. A number of us signed organ donor cards at that event and I have had one since 1999. The Minister for Health and Children should do whatever he can through Government agencies to support this initiative which has the capacity to save lives. While Ireland has a good record of organ donations from deceased persons, commitments to donate through the donor card system are much rarer than in other countries. We should examine that area and encourage the Minister to support the donor card initiative.

Senator Brian Hayes raised the issue of an amnesty for guns. It is clear that international experience has been positive in this respect because such amnesties have been successful. In his remarks that were quoted yesterday, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform made it clear that anyone who had committed a firearms offence, and where forensic evidence showed that such a weapon had been used illegally, would be subject to prosecution when handing in the weapon. Many of us wanted to hear such an assurance. I take the Senator's point that there is a serious problem with regard to illegal firearms but I am confident the Minister will address it.

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