John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for raising this important issue which I will address on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly.

For many patients, transplantation is now the treatment of choice for end-stage organ failure. Ironically, its success has led to organ shortages and so it is important for all concerned to highlight the enormous benefits to patients of organ transplantation and to create a greater awareness of the continuing need for people to become organ donors. The programme for Government envisages the introduction of an opt-out system of organ donation, with a view to improving the availability of organs for patients in need of transplantation. This will of course require detailed consideration and further consultation, and the Minister for Health is developing proposals for Government on this matter.

In addition to consent systems, there is evidence from other countries that good co-ordination at hospital level and counselling arrangements for relatives are significant factors in achieving high organ donation rates. In conjunction with the HSE's national organ donation and transplantation office, the Minister for Health is considering what practices and organisational changes could further improve donation rates in this country. This office is developing a plan for the introduction of changes and improvements in donation and transplantation systems and practice so that as many patients as possible benefit from a proactive and successful programme of organ donation. This includes the identification and deployment of donor co-ordinators in hospitals across the country.

The national organ donation and transplantation office is advised by a group of transplant professionals and also has regular interactions with the Irish Donor Network. The Minister, Deputy Reilly, is due to meet with representatives of the Irish Donor Network next Monday. Funding has been provided through the national lottery to support the organ donor awareness campaign over a number of years. I wish to take this opportunity to share with the House some initiatives which are under way which will serve to highlight the benefits of organ donation.

Following discussions between the Department of Health and the Road Safety Authority, the new driving licence application form contains a question asking applicants if they would like a code on their licence indicating their wish to become an organ donor. Since the introduction of a new type of driving licence on 19 January, the code that will appear on new driving licences issued to people who indicate that they wish to become an organ donor is 115. The Department is also in discussion with the Department of Social Protection with a view to including a similar code on the public services card.

The EU action plan on organ donation and transplantation aims to reinforce cooperation between member states through the identification and development of common objectives and guidelines, jointly agreed indicators and benchmarks, regular reporting and identification and sharing of best practices. Directive 2010/53/EU, which was transposed into Irish law in August last year, sets standards of quality and safety and will help to minimise the risks of transmission of disease and to protect the health of organ recipients.

I assure the House that the Minister for Health and his Department will continue to work in collaboration with the HSE, voluntary organisations and health professionals to raise awareness of organ donation and to enhance donation and transplantation rates for both living and deceased donors.