Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
567. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the body which will be charged with the organisation of the public information campaign in relation to promoting organ donation under the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill 2022; the funding that will be allocated to such a campaign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9650/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra574. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the steps that will be taken to improve public engagement with the organ donation process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9657/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra576. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health his plans for a rapid reaction team to counteract misinformation campaigns regarding the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9659/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 567, 574 and 576 together.
The HSE will be responsible for the public information campaign in relation to promoting organ donation under the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill 2022. The HSE already runs awareness campaigns on organ donation and has extensive experience in this area.
The public awareness campaign for the Human Tissue Bill will provide the public with clear and concise factual information in relation to organ donation, and provisions in the Bill including the opt-out register and the importance of discussing donation with family and next of kin so that they can honour your wishes. It will stress that the rights of the individual to autonomy, self-determination and bodily integrity will be respected at all times and that consent is central to the legislation - at all times countering any possible misinformation which may exist around the bill.
The campaign will have a number of goals. In particular, it will promote awareness and understanding of organ donation and the changes to be brought forward under this bill. It will also emphasise the difference donation can make to peoples lives and will encourage wider engagement from the public with the organ donation process.
The campaign will be fully resourced in line with our commitment in the Programme for Government.
