Feargal Quinn (Independent)

Yesterday I raised the issue of the delay in implementing legislation, particularly the legal services ombudsman legislation. In October 2008, almost 18 months ago, the House adjourned a debate on a Bill dealing with human organ transplants. The Minister said at the time that she was supportive of the objective of the Bill but wished to introduce her own legislation. I accept that she will do so but 18 months have passed. I urge her to introduce that legislation as soon as possible. I accept that her heart is in the right place and that she intends to do something about this, but consider what happened last month. At the end of January there were four kidneys and one pancreas available in Dublin for transplantation but there were 580 patients waiting for transplants. We are not sure why, although we have been told it might be due to a shortage of suitable beds, but only two of these kidneys were transplanted. The pancreas and remaining two kidneys were sent to the United Kingdom for transplant patients there. There is an urgent need to deal with this matter. I believe the Minister's view and objectives are in the right direction and that she is taking steps to introduce the legislation. However, it cannot wait and must be proceeded with immediately. There is a general problem with the State taking too long to do things; there is a lack of urgency about getting things done. On this occasion we should support the Minister and urge her to introduce the legislation as soon as possible and deal with the issue of presumed consent or whatever is required to provide in legislation for the ability to save the lives of people waiting for transplants.