ORGAN DONATION TO BE ‘OPT-OUT’
ORGAN donation after death will be automatic unless stated otherwise under new laws set to be drafted in next month.
Health Minister Simon Harris will introduce the legislation to make Ireland an “opt-out country”.
However, the important safeguard of family consent will be inserted in the new law so a next-of-kin can overrule their loved one’s decision and prevent organ donations.
Mr Harris will bring the general scheme of the Human Tissue Bill to the Cabinet table for consideration next month.
He said: “While this has taken a lot longer than anticipated, I will bring forward proposals to ensure 2019 is the year we introduce an opt-out organ donation register.
“The General Scheme will provide for the introduction of a system of consent for deceased organ donation and an associated register, in line with the commitment contained in the Programme for Partnership Government. “It is my goal to make organ donation the norm in Ireland when people pass away in circumstances in which donation is a possi- bility.” If a person is on the opt-out register, their next-of-kin will not be asked to discuss organ donation.
If a person is not registered on the opt-out register, the next-of-kin will always be consulted before any organ is removed. And if the next-of-kin objects to the donation, the donation will not proceed.
Minister Harris said significant progress has been made by the HSE in recent years to increase the number of transplantations carried out here each year.
He added: “The introduction of an opt-out system is the next step in a range of measures to build on that.
“I hope the introduction of an opt-out system encourages people to discuss their wishes with loved ones.” PROMOTIONS (DVD, CD offers etc): 01 868 8620 RECEPTION: 01 868 8600
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