Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

All of us in this House are aware of the importance of organ donation. We know also that organ donation saves lives. When someone makes a decision to have his or her organs donated, he or she gives the most important gift, that is, the gift of life. The donation greatly enhances and, in many ways, saves the life of the person receiving the donation. It can also give a sense of healing, meaning and consolation to a family of a bereaved person in that they will know that despite their great loss, their loved has the potential to give the gift of life or to enhance the life of another human being. With that in mind, I was disappointed to learn from the Irish Donor Network that in 2020 there was a 32% decline in solid organ transplantation in Ireland compared to the same period in 2019 and a 27% decrease in deceased organ donation for the same period. This can all be put down to Covid-19. That is understandable. We need to get a grip on the blockages at that time so that we can move forward.

I ask Members of the House to support me in proposing that the Leader would write to the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, on the matter of expedition of the promised legislation in regard to a soft opt-out for organ donation. The simpler the process, the better. In a recent survey, more than 80% of the Irish population were in favour of organ donation. There is an onus on us in this House to ensure that for citizens of this country there is an opt-in option. I ask the Leader to write to the Minister in that regard not only on my behalf but, I am sure, on behalf of all colleagues in this House.