Organ donation opt-out register
Deputy O'Sullivan welcomes progress on cystic fibrosis medicines and asks about the promised move from an opt-in to an opt-out organ donation register. The Tánaiste confirms the Minister intends to proceed and says the change should increase organ supply.
My question relates to the programme for Government. People with cystic fibrosis and their families welcomed the agreement in principle relating to Orkambi and Kalydeco, as did everyone across the House. However, they have an issue relating to another matter in the programme for Government. I am referring to an opt-out register for organ donation instead of the current opt-in register.
This was due to happen before the end of 2017 according to the programme for Government. However, there does not seem to be anything on the legislative programme on this matter even under the Bills listed further away.
I want to find out when we will have an opt-out register. Such a register greatly increases the number of organs available not only for cystic fibrosis patients but for others as well. This has been shown in other European countries.
Comment on this
I can confirm that it is the Minister's intention to proceed with that legislation. I will ask him to correspond directly with Deputy O'Sullivan to let her know what stage it is at. It is the intention to do exactly what Deputy O'Sullivan has described because there is strong evidence internationally that it would greatly increase the supply of organs.