Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Figures were published today in Britain showing that numbers of organ donations have increased since changes to legislation were implemented two years ago. The reason I mention this and bring it to the attention of the Leader is because we have adjourned a debate on a motion put forward regarding presumed consent. The Minister accepted the point that she wanted more discussion and has been meeting people to that end in order to increase the number of organ donations here.

People are waiting in hospitals for organs to be donated and presumed consent is part of the debate. The Minister agreed to a discussion on it over the few months since. Will the Leader ask the Minister to bring the matter to a conclusion and if she is to introduce her own legislation, will she do it as soon as possible because lives are at stake?

Senator Healy Eames referred earlier to being in Mountjoy yesterday. A decision in the courts last week indicated that non-payment of a debt should no longer end in imprisonment, and I accept this as a valid point in reducing the prison population. However, that may threaten family maintenance orders and I would like the Minister responsible to put our minds at rest in that regard. It seems that up to now it was possible to be put in jail if a person stopped paying family maintenance but if that is to be removed, there is a possibility that many will use this opportunity to avoid paying family maintenance. We should ensure this does not happen.