asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself that the medical services for kidney patients in need of dialysis treatment are adequate in light of the sudden drop in kidney donors; the reason, if any, for the sudden reduction in the number of donors; if he will be involved in seeking to reverse the trend; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Medical Service for Kidney Patients.
283.
I am satisfied that the present renal dialysis services are adequate to meet the demand. The overriding considerations in relation to the procurement of human organs are the rights and wishes of the individual and the next of kin and these must be respected. The kidney donor campaign which is organised by the Irish Kidney Association and which I launched this year has, I think, been successful and has certainly increased public awareness of the need for kidney donors. I have consulted with the appropriate organisations and there is no clear indication of the reason for the drop in donations.