Opt-out organ donation proposal is right call
Labour Party Health spokesperson, Alan Kelly TD, has said opt-out organ donation is the right call.
Deputy Kelly said:
“I welcome that proposals have been brought in front of the Health Committee to move organ donation to an opt-out system. This issue is of its time and needs to be pushed forward.
“We know that an organ donation opt-out system, if properly resourced, will save lives.
“I’m aware that some organisations such as the Irish Kidney Association are wary of this proposal because they think that families won’t have conversations about this new scheme. No one likes to think about the worst happening and it’s challenging to have certain conversations with families and loved ones about our wishes after death, one of the principle aims of the Government’s proposals and subsequent campaigns if the Bill passes must be to encourage these open discussions among families.
“An opt-out organ donation system has worked in Wales, one of our closest neighbours. The Government should learn from their experience and how they dealt with the concerns organisations like the IKA have.”