Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 88: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action he will take to increase the number of organ donations, pending his legislation to provide for an opt-out system; if he will consider the appointment of transplant co-ordinators in the health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5572/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I strongly endorse the activities of a number organisations that are involved in promoting donor awareness and the need for organ donation. There will be particular attention on these issues in the coming weeks, with the launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week next Tuesday, 29th March.

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce an opt-out system of organ donation. My Department has consulted widely on this issue and is preparing legislative proposals on the donation and use of human organs for transplantation. It is proposed that these be included in a Human Tissue Bill which will also meet the recommendations of the Madden Report on Post Mortem Practice and Procedures. My Department is working to finalise the proposals for me as soon as possible.

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. I am therefore also considering what practices and organisational changes could further improve donation rates in this country. I welcome the appointment of a Clinical Lead for National Organ Donation and Transplantation by the HSE whose work will help to improve hospital practice in relation to organ donation and transplantation.