Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 22 Jan 1986

Vol. 363 No. 1

Written Answers. - Kidney Donor Cards.

27.

Mr. F. Fahey

asked the Minister for Health if he accepts that the absence of adequate legislation is a serious inhibition to the transplantation of human organs; if he is aware that a kidney donor card does not have legal status after a person's death; and if he will carry out a full appraisal of present regulations governing the transplantation of human organs with a view to introducing legislation with the objective of eliminating the legal restrictions which at present hinder the availability of such organs.

30.

Mr. F. Fahey

asked the Minister for Health if he will initiate a public awareness programme to enhance the efforts of the Irish Kidney Association to inform the general public of the urgent need for kidney donors; and if he will enlist the involvement of Government agencies in a public awareness exercise, such as the Department of the Environment who would make available to each motor taxation office a tax disc incorporating an organ donor card which would be offered to each motor tax applicant.

Minister for Health (Mr. B. Desmond)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 27 and 30 together. I am not convinced that the introduction of legislation as suggested by the Deputy would result in an improvement in the availability of organs for transplant purposes. The procurement of human organs must have regard to the rights of the individual and the next of kin and these rights must be respected. The kidney donor card campaign which is organised by the Irish Kidney Association has been highly successful with over one million cards issued and demand for these cards continues to grow. I am satisfied that this campaign has increased public awareness of the need for kidney donors but I will consider the suggestions made by the Deputy.