Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, as part of the Irish Donor Network, warmly welcomes the announcement by Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill that Part 2 of the Human Tissue Act 2024 will take effect on June 17 2025. The announcement comes as almost 700 people are waiting for organ transplants in Ireland.
The Human Tissue Bill introduces a Soft Opt-Out system of consent for organ donation. Under this system, consent for organ donation will be deemed unless the person has, while alive, registered their wish not to become an organ donor after death.
Sarah Tecklenborg, CEO CFI, commented:
“The announcement that the Human Tissue Bill will be enacted on June 17th, is very welcome news and follows many years of unwavering campaigning by the Irish Donor Network, led by Philip Watt at the time. This system has successfully been implemented in several countries, including Wales and Spain, and will improve Ireland's transplant and organ donation rates. This will give our members waiting for lung and kidney donations, and many others, a second chance at life.”
The legislation introduces a ‘soft opt-out system of consent for organ donation’ for all adults in Ireland. This means any individual who does not want to donate their organs after their death must sign up to the relevant Organ Donation Opt-Out Register maintained by the HSE. However, at the time of death, medical professionals must confirm with a ‘designated family member’ that the deceased did not object to donation under the new legislation.
For the full Department of Health press release, visit Minister for Health announces imminent national legislative framework for donation and transplantation services