Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I am not sure if Members of this House are average citizens, but if we are, then 12 of us will have a stroke during our lifetime. Senators Hanafin, Mullen and Norris mentioned the stroke and cardiovascular policy that was supposed to come before the Cabinet in May 2008. It is now due next week. I want to urge the Cabinet not just to adopt the policy, but also to provide funding for it. Ten thousand people will suffer a stroke in Ireland this year. This can be solved, but it takes money to do so. What concerns me is the length of time it has taken to bring this before the Cabinet.

This is organ donation week. The debate on the Human Body Organs and Human Tissue Bill adjourned in this House in October 2008. It was adjourned because the Minister said she wanted to consult the views of citizens. A large number of people are waiting for organ donations. This can be solved, as other countries have solved it, but it is a question of how we do it. Be it presumed consent, more organ donation cards or whatever system we have, we can do it. We adjourned that debate in October 2008 because we assumed consultation would take a few months, but it has now taken more than 18 months. Let us make sure that the Minister gives this priority, along with the stroke service, so we can save lives.