Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2019
418. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to include a change in legislation to provide for the presumption of opt-in in relation to organ donation; if same will receive consideration in the upcoming human tissue (transplantation, post-mortem, anatomical examination and public display) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2679/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe General Scheme of a Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill is being finalised at present and will be submitted to Government shortly.
The General Scheme will include provisions for a soft opt-out system of consent for deceased organ donation and an opt-out register.
If an individual registers their wish to opt-out of organ donation, their next-of-kin will not be approached to discuss organ donation following their death. If an individual is not on the register, it will be presumed that she/he had no objection to donating their organs. However, it is proposed that the next-of-kin will always be consulted prior to removing any organ. If the next-of-kin objects to the organ donation, the donation will not proceed.
