Written answers

Tuesday, 11 April 2017

Photo of Noel RockNoel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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623. To ask the Minister for Health the process which would be implemented for the families of the deceased to veto organ donation in view of the fact that organ harvesting takes place as quickly as possible following death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18221/17]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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At present the next-of-kin of organ donors are consulted prior to removing any organ and their express consent for organ donation is sought.

Work on scoping the parameters of legislation for a Human Tissue Bill is currently being undertaken in my Department. It is envisaged that this Bill will provide for an opt-out system of consent for organ donation. Under the proposed system, 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 (“soft” opt-out system). The aim is to make organ donation the norm in situations where the opportunity arises.

Photo of Noel RockNoel Rock (Dublin North West, Fine Gael)
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624. To ask the Minister for Health his estimate of the increase in organ transplants which can be expected; if there are enough doctors to keep up with this increase in transplant surgeries; his views on whether funds should be devoted to acquire additional doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18222/17]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Department is working closely with HSE's Organ Donation Transplantation Ireland (ODTI) to support initiatives aimed at increasing the levels of organ donation and transplantation. This has included the allocation of increased funding in recent years. Additional staff have been recruited to foster a culture of organ donation, to optimise conversion rates and to ultimately increase the number of transplants that are carried out. My Department considers that organ donation and transplant services are sufficiently resourced at present.

The number of deceased organ donations will always fluctuate depending on the donor opportunities that arise. The emphasis is on endeavouring to ensure that we avail of all opportunities that arise for organ donation.

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