Vol. 536 No. 2
279 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals he has to increase support for organ donors, to make the citizens aware of its beneficial implications and to encourage greater numbers to participate in the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13600/01]
I support the need to promote a greater understanding of the need for organ donation. My Department is committed to raising public awareness of the positive life giving aspect of organ donation and deflecting any negative ill-informed public perception which may arise resulting from recent organ retention controversies.
In this regard, I was pleased to have provided funding of £175,000 in recent weeks to support the Irish donor network initiative, Forget-Me-Not week. The initiative seeks to heighten donor awareness through a national television and radio advertising campaign and the issuing of donor cards.
I am aware from figures circulated by the Irish Kidney Association that the refusal rate for families who were asked to consent to transplant rose from 14% in 1999 to 35% in 2000. The number of donors in 2000 dropped marginally to 71 from 72 in 1999. I will continue to support positive initiatives aimed at maintaining and increasing organ donation rates in this country.
