Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 March 2004
438 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Transport when it is envisaged to introduce the proposed plastic card type driving licence; if he will give consideration to availing of this opportunity to allow persons to indicate on the cards whether they are organ donors; his views on whether this would increase the awareness of organ donation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8543/04]
View answer440 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether the new driving licence format should include an opt-out from organ donation rather than the current opt-in. [8567/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 438 and 440 together.
The paper format driving licence currently in use contains an optional section where the licence holder may, if he or she so wishes, indicate consent to be an organ donor.
I propose to introduce a plastic card licence, tenders for which are currently being considered by my Department. Consideration will be given as part of development of the card licence system as to whether optional information regarding organ donation might be recorded on the card licence. In the context of organ donation, I consider that it would be more appropriate for a prospective organ donor to positively consent to donation as is currently provided for.
