Seán Barrett
Question:379. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a soft opt-out model of organ donation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39113/17]
View answerWednesday, 20 September 2017
Questions (379)
Written answers
In July 2017 the Government approved the preparation of a General Scheme and Heads of a Human Tissue Bill. The General Scheme will include provisions for an opt-out system of consent for organ donation. Under this system, consent will be deemed unless the person has, while alive, registered his/her wish not to become an organ donor after death. However, the next-of-kin will always be consulted prior to removing any organ.
One of the aims of the legislation is to make organ donation the norm in Ireland when people pass away in circumstances in which donation is a possibility. The introduction of an opt-out system of consent for organ donation will be accompanied by a publicity campaign aimed at raising awareness of organ donation and encouraging discussion among families of the intentions of family members in relation to organ donation.
A public consultation on the proposed Human Tissue Bill commenced on 28 August. The consultation questionnaire is available online at http://health.gov.ie/consultations and the closing date for submissions is 9 October 2017.