New Human Organization Act will see the establishment of “opt-out” registrations for organ donation
More than 1.6 million Ireland's drivers are registered as potential organ donors.
Highway Safety Administration data shows that as of last Friday, 1,609,351 learner permits or driver's licenses were selected for the date when they selected the option to become organ donors by including code 115 in their license. This figure represents 47.6% of the country's driving population.
With the Organ Donor Awareness Week 2025 officially launched on Tuesday, the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) has urged the public to speak with their loved ones about organ donation to ensure that the hopes of potential donors in the future will be realized.
In 2024, 263 organ transplants were performed here. This included 175 kidneys, 53 livers, 16 hearts, 15 lungs, and 4 pancreatic transplants.
However, more than 600 people in Ireland are currently on the waiting list for organ transplantation. Over 500 people are shaking from kidney transplants, while others desperately need heart, lungs, liver and pancreas transplants.
“You need to always remember that without organ donation, there is no transplant,” said IKA CEO Carol Moore.
“In 2024, 84 families selflessly agreed that their loved one's organs were donated in the most tragic circumstances. These individual human acts save lives, transform and represent an example for all of us throughout Ireland.”
She added: “We look forward to the future announcement by the Minister of Health on the start date (transplant) of the Human Tissue Act, enacted in February 2024.
“This will introduce altruistic kidney donations and also affect the management of organ donations from deceased donors. This important legislation provides a legal framework for organ donation and transplantation in Ireland.”
According to IKA, around 1-2% of people die in medically possible situations where organ donation is usually possible, usually in hospital intensive care units.
Under the new Human Organization Act, an opt-out register is established. If a person chooses to record their decision to opt out of consideration as a potential organ donor, their families will not be approached. However, in all other cases, you are considered to agree to the donation, but the search will not be conducted unless the family confirms that they do not object to it.
“Many of the definitions of modern medicine involves complex science and technological innovation, but it's humble that one of the most sophisticated frontiers is entirely based on community, altruism and compassion,” he said. Dr. Brian O'BrienClinical Director of Organ Donation Transplantation Ireland.
“An organ donation, a gesture of kindness to strangers made in the darkest circumstances, encapsulating many of the good things of humanity. Future laws will make life donations more feasible in Ireland.
The release of Organ Donor Awareness Week, which will be held until May 17th, saw individuals and families whose lives have changed due to organ donation. Share their stories.
Many highlighted how organ failures focused on family, friends and in realizing your hopes and dreams.
They were supported by their families, but also attended by medical and nursing professionals, including donors and transplant coordinators, representatives from patient advocacy groups, HSE organ donation Ireland (ODTI) office, and representatives from the Ministry of Health.
For more information, please refer www.ika.ie/donorweek/
