Acknowledging that this is Organ Donation Awareness Week, Deputy Michael Lowry sought an update on Government plans to update the current Organ Donation process in Ireland.
The pandemic has seen a reduction in transplants in Ireland Lung transplantation was the worst impacted, followed by Heart transplants and Liver transplants.
Kidney transplants, from both living and deceased donors also fell.
An Taoiseach, Micheal Martin informed Deputy Lowry that an additional €2.25m has been provided for Organ Donation and Transplant Services, which includes funding for a total of 30 whole-time equivalent staff.
Legislation for an Opt-In system of organ donation is underway and the enactment of this Legislation is a priority for Government according to the Taoiseach.
The aim of that Bill is to make Organ Donation the norm in Ireland and, in situations where the need arises, consent will be deemed given unless the person, while alive, registered a wish not to become an Organ Donor.
