David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

326. To ask the Minister for Health the number of organ transplants in 2020 by type compared to the same period in 2018 and 2019, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37671/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Organ transplant activity was significantly curtailed due to COVID-19.  However, the HSE’s Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland (ODTI) worked to ensure that the most time critical and life-saving transplants proceeded, based on careful risk-benefit assessment. 

Renal transplant services ceased activity for a period.  For liver, lung and heart transplants, donation and transplantation went ahead in some cases, based on clinical assessments. 

All transplant programmes are now active, with the renal transplant programme in Beaumont Hospital recommencing on 24th May.  All necessary actions are being taken to ensure that organ donation and transplantation services continue in so far as is practically possible.  However, due to the risk that Covid-19 presents to transplant patients, reduced service levels are expected for some time yet.

The table below shows the number of organ transplants completed from January to end October for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Transplants Jan-Oct 2018-2020