A series of meetings to consider proposals to adopt a soft “opt-out” system for organ donation is to be held by the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children.
Fine Gael Cork South Central TD Jerry Buttimer, who chairs the committee, said he decided to look at the policy and approach to organ donation following a two-hour meeting with Joe Brolly and Shane Finnegan. Mr Brolly, a GAA pundit and former Derry football star, donated his kidney to Mr Finnegan but the transplant was unsuccessful.
Since then, Mr Brolly has begun campaigning North and South to change the laws on donation. Currently donors must opt in by registering in advance. Mr Buttimer said there was a “chronic shortage” of organs available for donation.
“In 2011, when an estimated 250-300 kidneys were required, only 164 deceased kidney donor transplants were carried out. Northern Ireland Ministers gave their support to an ‘opt-out’ system earlier this month.”
