Darragh's Soapbox: Are you an organ donor?
Your next of kin will always be consulted before any action is taken, however, if your next of kin cannot be contacted in time, organ donation will not go ahead.
Commencing from this week, all adults in Ireland are considered to have agreed to be an organ donor when they die, unless they decide to opt out.
If you do not want to be an organ donor, you now have to opt out by adding your name to the opt-out register.
Your next of kin will always be consulted before any action is taken, however, if your next of kin cannot be contacted in time, organ donation will not go ahead.
According to the HSE, at any given time approximately 600 people in Ireland are on waiting lists for organ transplants.
Reflecting on the significance of this step, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said: "The legislation introduces a soft opt-out system of consent for organ donation, meaning that when a person dies, it is presumed that they would wish to donate their organs after their death unless they have objected to donation.
"This is a significant moment for healthcare in Ireland and respecting potential donors' wishes will be fundamental to it."
Locals in Waterford this week reacted to the news.
said, “I'd agree with the new register system. It saves lives and we can't do anything with our own organs after we die, so it’s a better way of doing it.
"If you do feel strongly against it you still have the choice to go online and opt out."
added, "If it's going to save someone’s life that’s the right choice. At the end of the day, if someone’s organs can save someone’s life that’s a good thing.”
Graham added that the importance of being an organ donor should be promoted more: “This should really be pushed on social media and promoted because it can save people's lives."
Meanwhile, local man said, “I would prefer to have choice. Simple as that."
