Lorraine Clifford-Lee (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

People are waiting on this. They have waited for this Bill for years. The Irish Kidney Association and many others have been working towards this day and the completion of this Bill. I commend the Minister on working so hard to bring this about.

Organ donation has always been a difficult topic to discuss with next of kin because such discussions invariably happen in the context of a very tragic and often very sudden situation. They might take place following a car accident or another type of accident, maybe in the workplace. The next of kin are often understandably very overwhelmed at that point and are unable to make a decision. It can be too emotional. This legislation allows each one of us to make that decision and to take that pressure off our next of kin should something unexpected happen, so it is really welcome.

The opt-in system being proposed by the Minister is a very good system. I hope it will be followed by a very robust public information campaign so we know where to go and how to do it because there will be some people who do not want to donate their organs. However, I think most people would want to give the very precious gift of life to others if they are in a position to donate their organs when their own life comes to an end.

The other aspect of this, the post mortem and organ retention aspect, is really important.Mention was made of the Madden report, and we all remember how distressing it was for the families who were caught up in that. Their babies’ organs were retained by hospitals without their consent. While that was done in good faith and for legitimate purposes, it was done without consent. This legislation again puts a very good, robust framework in place.

This is all very welcome. I look forward to the rest of the debate and to this Bill moving as quickly as possible through the Seanad. I hope all Members will engage positively with this Bill. I commend the Minister on another worthwhile, transformative and ground-breaking Bill in the area of health in Ireland.