Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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293. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the growing market for organ harvesting, particularly in China; if action at EU level has been taken to condemn and combat this growing market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39826/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Government follows closely reports of organ harvesting, including renewed allegations of organ harvesting in China. On 6 July this year, officials from my Department met with representatives of the Irish Falun Dafa Association and human rights defenders during which the issue of organ harvesting was discussed.

Trafficking of human organs is a deplorable activity which has developed into a global problem that violates the fundamental human rights and dignity of individuals. International cooperation is the only way to combat this crime, prosecute those behind it and protect vulnerable citizens who may be at risk of becoming victims of trafficking in human organs.

On 8 September this year the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution that aims to strengthen measures and international cooperation in order to prevent and combat trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal and trafficking in human organs. Ireland along with most other EU Member States co-sponsored this resolution.

Moreover, Ireland signed the Council of Europe Convention against Trafficking in Human Organs in 2015, and will ratify the Convention when the necessary legislation to give effect to the Convention has been put in place. The Department of Health has been scoping the parameters of legislative proposals in this regard. The Government approved the preparation of the General Scheme and Heads of a Human Tissue Bill in July. The General Scheme will include provisions to prohibit the commercialisation of human organs and tissue for transplantation and the trafficking of organs for transplantation.

The Irish Government, together with our EU partners, addresses human rights issues with China, in frequent and regular dialogue, through our contacts in both Dublin and Beijing and through the relevant multilateral channels. It should be noted that China has embarked on reforms in the area of organ donation with a view to stamping out illegal and unethical practices. However, the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing, in cooperation with our EU partners, is monitoring the Chinese reform efforts in the area of organ donation.