Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I rise to welcome the report of the Irish Kidney Association on the increase in transplants last year. A total of 298 transplants were performed, which is a 12% increase from 2015. A total of 600 people are awaiting these life saving transplants, whether it be of the heart, liver, kidney or pancreas. Organ donor awareness week commences Saturday and the Irish Kidney Association is calling for a donor organ registry, which we have previously discussed in the Chamber, to be set up in line with the HSE consent policy to help increase donations from deceased persons. The Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, is to prioritise this and I call on him to fast track it and to develop legislation to provide for an opt-out system where people would be regarded as having consented to organ donation unless they have specified otherwise. I encourage people to become aware of and use the organ donation card until the legislation is enacted. Apps and other systems are available for people to opt in but it is hoped that we will get the opt-out system soon enough.