merrion street

Health Minister James Reilly today launched Organ Donor Awareness Week, which will take place from 2nd-9th April 2011.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister said:

Setting aside a special week, using the airwaves and the print media, can reach people who might otherwise never think of being organ donors. Reach them. Persuade them. Add to the success story that is organ donation and transplantation.

The Minister also spoke of an "opt-out" system for organ donation:

The Programme for Government includes a commitment to introduce an opt-out system of organ donation. As preparation of the legislation proceeds I’m going to ensure we consult further on the matter.

We all share the same aim: making sure as many patients as possible benefit from organ donation. But I do want to make it clear, today, that I see the opt-out proposal as merely a way of starting a conversation.

The express permission of the family is crucial. No organ removal will ever happen against the wishes of a family. Full stop.

You can watch the video of the launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week and Minister Reilly's comments to MerrionStreet.ie below.