Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 24 Jun 1992

Vol. 421 No. 5

Written Answers. - Organ Donations.

Gerry Reynolds

Ceist:

47 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the proposals he has to promote an increase in the number of persons willing to donate organs in the event of premature death; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

I am glad to be able to inform the Deputy that the position on donation of organs in Ireland generally is as good as and, in some cases, better than most European countries.

I have been involved in the launch of the 1992 Donor Awareness campaign, which has the objective of increasing the number of organs available, and have provided a grant of £30,000 this year for the Multi-Organ Donor Card Scheme.

Ireland has some of the shortest waiting lists in Europe for transplantation and I will be monitoring the situation to ensure that this position is maintained.