Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Yesterday, Senator Hanafin mentioned that for a week, beginning on Saturday, the benefits of organ donation will be highlighted and I want to draw attention to the importance of organ donation. People die because the organs they could have are not readily available. No. 13 on the Order Paper is the Human Body Organs and Human Tissue Bill 2008. The debate on this in the House was adjourned for a very good reason which is that the Minister for Health and Children stated she supported the concept of the Bill, which is presumed consent, but that she wanted to have further discussions before introducing her own Bill to ensure something happens. The Minister is doing so and discussions have taken place. Will the Leader draw the Minister's attention to the fact that people are dying because they do not have the organs they could have?

As individuals we can ensure we carry organ donation cards and remind our constituents and others to do the same. As a State we can pass a Bill which introduces a form of presumed consent. The debate in the House was very well received. It is an interesting topic and generated a huge amount of discussion. Next week we will have further discussions on organ donation. Will the Leader bring to the Minister's attention the need for speed on this issue rather than allowing it to become too relaxed?

I also wish to raise an issue which cropped up three or four years ago which is the national anthem of which we have been so proud for many years. I have always been a great believer in it and I have loved it. I did not see the rugby game last week but I understand we did not play our national anthem in Wales. Given a choice between having our national anthem which, it is fair to say, we all admire so much and having a national anthem that represents the Thirty-two Counties, after the 80 years of having our national anthem perhaps it is time we re-examined the matter with the objective of having a national anthem that represents all 32 counties rather than just ourselves. We have had 80 years of it and it has been very worthwhile. Let us consider the objective of having one national anthem for the entirety of Ireland. It might be worth considering.