'Leave no doubt' - Donnelly urges Irish people to discuss organ donation with loved ones

The Minister for Health is urging people across Ireland to discuss organ donation with loved ones. 

The call comes ahead of Organ Donor Awareness Week, which is organised by the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) in association with the HSE’s Organ Donation Transplant Ireland (ODTI) and takes place between May 20 - 27, 2023. 

This year's campaign is built around the theme 'Don’t Leave Your Loved Ones in Doubt!’ 

Speaking at the launch today (May 16), Minister Stephen Donnelly said, "I urge everyone to please discuss organ donation with your loved ones, and let them know of your intention to donate. By doing this, you will give them the comfort of knowing they’ve carried out your wishes if you pass on, and will leave them with no doubt. 

"I am delighted to see that the organ donation and transplantation system in Ireland has recovered substantially from the impact of COVID-19, with 250 transplants performed last year. We have also seen further growth this year with an astounding total of 81 transplants performed in the first quarter of 2023. This is the best start to a year that our organ donation and transplantation system has ever had." 

He continued: "I want to thank all of those involved: the transplant centres, ICU staff, organ donor nurse managers, Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland, and all of those who have worked to raise awareness.  

"As a government, we have taken a number of measures over the past few years to improve organ donation and transplantation services in Ireland. This includes the introduction of the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill and the provision of €2.25 million in additional funding to support the ongoing development of transplant services." 

The Human Tissue Bill will introduce an opt-out system of organ donation to Ireland, with the aim of increasing the amount of organs available for donation to patients in need. 

According to the minister, consent will be "central" to this system, and those who object to donating their organs will be able to opt out. 

He said, "Organ donation is the gift of life to another. Transplantation brings a profound improvement in the quality of life for a transplant recipient, and can give them a second chance at life. For this reason, it is so important that we raise awareness of this each Organ Donor Awareness Week."