Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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1315. To ask the Minister for Health when the opt out policy on kidney and heart donors will come into effect. [37199/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Government proposes to introduce an opt-out system of consent for organ donation. Consent will be deemed unless the person has, while alive, registered his/her wish not to become an organ donor after death. However, it is proposed that, even though consent is deemed, the next of kin will in practice always be consulted prior to removing any organ. If the next of kin objects to the organ donation, the donation will not proceed. This is known as a “soft” opt-out system.

My Department is currently undertaking a public consultation on the practical aspects of introducing an opt-out system of consent for organ donation and interested parties have been invited to submit their views by September 20^th. Following the receipt of submissions and the distillation of the views received, my Department plans to host a focused workshop on the findings of the consultation. It is envisaged that the workshop will inform the next steps in the legislative process.