83 Deputy Michael Kennedy asked the Minister for Health and Children when further progress will be made regarding organ donation here in view of the fact that new laws are now set to facilitate EU-wide organ donation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22453/10]

The European Parliament approved a draft directive on 19 May 2010 regarding quality and safety standards for organs intended for transplantation. I welcome this development. The draft directive seeks to ensure that a set of minimum health and safety standards for human organs intended for transplantation is in place in all member states. The aim is firstly, to reduce the risk of infectious diseases being transmitted to the organ recipient and secondly, to enhance the efficiency of exchanging organs between member states. Officials of my Department have participated in the negotiations at Council on this draft directive over the past year. The draft directive will next be considered by the Council of Ministers and, subject to its approval, it is expected to enter into force later in 2010, whereupon all member states will have two years to implement the legislation.