Govt Approve Publication Of New Human Tissue Bill

The Minister for Health Simon Harris has welcomed the Government's decision to approve the publication of the General Scheme of a Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination, and Public Display) Bill.

The Bill will:

• regulate the removal, retention, storage, use and disposal of human tissue from deceased persons;

• provide general conditions for the removal, donation and use of organs and tissues from deceased and living persons for the purposes of transplantation;

• provide for an opt-out system of consent for organ donation and for an associated register; and

• provide for non-directed altruistic kidney donation.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: "I am delighted that the Government has approved the drafting of the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination, and Public Display) Bill. This Bill, which will implement the recommendations of the Report of Dr Deirdre Madden on Post-Mortem Practice and Procedures (2006), will provide comprehensive protection to all persons, whether living or dead, in relation to consent for the use of their bodies, organs or tissue. Detailed consultation was involved in finalising these proposals and I acknowledge the input of all involved.

"For almost 200 years the only primary legislation governing the use of human tissue was the Anatomy Act of 1832. The Bill will repeal that Act and create a modern legislative framework of consent."

The Bill, which is wide-ranging, also includes provisions on:

• organ donation and transplantation;

• hospital post-mortems;

• anatomical examination (including medical education and training); and

• public display of bodies after death.

Significantly, the Bill provides for the introduction of an opt-out system of consent for deceased organ donation and an associated register.

Minister Harris said: "I am really pleased to progress this vital piece of legislation which is a key commitment of mine and of the Government.

"In recent years significant progress has been made by Organ Donation & Transplant Ireland, the three transplant centres at Beaumont Hospital, St Vincent's University Hospital, and Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, and my Department to increase the number of transplantations carried out in Ireland."

The further development of organ donation and transplant services is a key part of the Sláintecare Action Plan.

"I strongly believe that this opt-out system could transform organ donation in Ireland. In order for it to be most effective, it will be supported by a series of other measures. It is so important we do everything we can to make organ donation the norm in Ireland when people pass away in circumstances where donation is a possibility."