Warning: Everyone in Ireland is considered an organ donor under new law

New Government Law New changes have been made to organ donation in Ireland, which will take effect on June 17th, 2025.

One important change that will take effect is that you automatically agree to become an organ donor when you turn 18, unless you opt out, if you die.

The Human Tissue Act 2024 includes provisions regarding the donation and transplantation of organs, tissues and cells, post-mortem practices and procedures, anatomical examinations, and post-mortem body disclosure.

Importantly, it embeds the idea in the law that consent is a critical principle in all these sensitive areas.

On June 17, 2025, the first phase of the changes under this Act began to take effect.

These deal with donations and transplants of organs, tissues and cells.

Main features that will come into effect from June 17th, 2025:

• A soft opt-out system for organ donation to individuals over the age of 18.
• The concept of “designated family”: those who consult before donating organs and tissues from the deceased
• Methods for those who wish to donate their kidney livelihood to people who personally donate (also known as undirected altruistic donations).

If you are over 18 years of age, you are deemed to have agreed to become an organ donor when you die, unless you opt out or are in one of the excluded groups.

This change applies only to organs known as relevant organs under the law.

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There are five related organs: the liver, lungs, pancreas, heart, or kidneys. As in the past, consent is required by the family for all other organs, tissues, or cells.

I agree at the heart of this change. Whether you want to be an organ donor or not is still your choice.

If you want to become an organ donor, you don't need to take action.

An organ donation consent is presumed unless you have registered a request not to become an organ donor.

If you do not want to be an organ donor, it can be applied to the relevant organ donation opt-out register managed by the HSE.

If you are on this register, your family will not be asked about organ donation.

Whatever you decide, let your family and friends know your decision.

Your loved one will continue to be consulted before any action is taken.

Why is this important?

At any time, around 600 Ireland's people are on waiting lists for organ transplants.

Adopting an organ donation opt-out consent system will ensure Ireland is in line with international best practices and aims to change lives by increasing Ireland's donor pool.

Donations of organs can save lives or improve them. When someone dies, the family decides whether to donate the organs or not.

It is important to let your family know about your decisions regarding organ donation. They are always consulted, and your wishes should be at the heart of any decision.

Non-directed altruistic donations – what is it?

This is a new route for living donations introduced by the Human Organization Act.

A living person who donates organs to people they donate to, are called undirected altruistic donors. They donate organs for someone on the waiting list that needs it.

The Act provides for undirected altruistic contributions only by adults with additional protection and safeguards for those who wish to give.

Among other types of donations, an independent panel will be established to consider applying for non-directed altruistic donations.