Keith Swanick (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Some 266 people were handed the gift of life in 2015 through organ donation. This figure has increased substantially due to the diligent work of Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland, which is headed by Professor Jim Egan. Outcomes for transplant recipients in Ireland continue to rank among the best in Europe. Currently, organ donation in Ireland is based on a voluntary donation system and it occurs in 32 intensive care units throughout the country. The National Organ Procurement Service operates a 24-hour service 365 days per year. Its highly trained and motivated staff travel to the relevant hospital and guide the family through the very traumatic experience. All stakeholders are treated with dignity and respect. The service does good work and I ask the Leader to ask the Minister to ensure its funding is secured and maintained.