Feargal Quinn (Independent)

The Minister for Health recently appointed a new head of the organ donation and procurement office. What has happened to the Bill that was drawn up to deal with the question of whether it should be possible to increase the number of organ donations in this country? The debate on the Bill in this House was adjourned almost three years ago to facilitate public consultation on the matter. Last year, just six hearts and eight lungs were transplanted in Irish hospitals. That is a tiny fraction of what is required. People in hospitals are waiting for organs to be donated, but that is not happening. We know what the answer is. It is in the Minister's hands.

When the Bill was introduced in this House three years ago, the debate was adjourned to give us an opportunity to hear what the public felt about it. We have not heard a word on it since then. It was not mentioned in the programme for Government. The rate of organ donation in Spain is approximately twice that in this country. That cannot be attributed solely to that country's presumed consent legislation. The role of co-ordinators in Spanish hospitals and other factors are also relevant. If we make similar progress, we can save lives. Can the Leader urge the Minister for Health to grab this opportunity? No real cost is associated with it. It can proceed very readily. There was almost full agreement in this House on the Bill we were considering. We have not heard a word on it since the then Minister said public consultation was required. Can we make sure something happens in this area? Progress can be made.

I would like to make another point. I am not taking up a different topic. I have raised this matter previously. Every day, each of the 60 Members of this House receives an Order Paper in an individually addressed envelope. I imagine the same thing happens in the Dáil. I cannot believe the waste this must entail. It just does not make sense. When my daughter held a birthday party for our granddaughter the other day, she insisted that those who had brought presents had to bring the wrapping paper home with them. That shows the extent to which she is anti-paper. It seems to me that we are unaware of the significant amount of waste that is taking place. We can start to do something about it by getting rid of the envelopes I have mentioned.