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01/06/2023
Organ Donation Changes As Dáithí's Law Takes Effect
Changes to organ donation legislation have taken effect across Northern Ireland.
The legislation is named after six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann. His family have campaigned for changes to help their son receive a heart transplant.
The law was passed in Westminster in February with support from the UK Government due to the ongoing stalemate in Stormont.
The new legislation changes the way consent for organ donation is given, with the aim of increasing the amount of organs available. People in Northern Ireland are now considered to have given consent to their organs to be donated after death unless they have chosen to opt out.
The legislation includes a number of excluded groups - Children under 18, people who lack the mental capacity to understand the changes as well as visitors and temporary residents are exempt from the changes.
Department of Health Permanent Secretary Peter May said: "Everyone will still have a choice – people are free to opt-in, opt-out or amend their decision at any time – and families will continue to be consulted. We know that the vast majority of people here say that they support organ donation in principle, but many people still haven’t got round to signing the NHS Organ Donor Register or telling their families. By switching to an opt out system, the hope is that this makes it easier for families to support donation."
Celebrating the changes Sinn Fein Michelle O'Neil said: "This is an historic day as Dáithí’s Law comes into effect, with all adults in the north now considered organ donors unless they choose to opt out.
"Today belongs to little Dáithí Mac Gabhann, his parents Máirtín and Seph, and all who have campaigned tirelessly to get this life saving law over the line. You never gave up and have given hope and inspiration to the many people on the organ donation waiting list.
"This is an example of the real change that can be delivered when parties work together in the Assembly and Executive to better people’s lives and drive forward progressive legislation."
The legislation is named after six-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann. His family have campaigned for changes to help their son receive a heart transplant.
The law was passed in Westminster in February with support from the UK Government due to the ongoing stalemate in Stormont.
The new legislation changes the way consent for organ donation is given, with the aim of increasing the amount of organs available. People in Northern Ireland are now considered to have given consent to their organs to be donated after death unless they have chosen to opt out.
The legislation includes a number of excluded groups - Children under 18, people who lack the mental capacity to understand the changes as well as visitors and temporary residents are exempt from the changes.
Department of Health Permanent Secretary Peter May said: "Everyone will still have a choice – people are free to opt-in, opt-out or amend their decision at any time – and families will continue to be consulted. We know that the vast majority of people here say that they support organ donation in principle, but many people still haven’t got round to signing the NHS Organ Donor Register or telling their families. By switching to an opt out system, the hope is that this makes it easier for families to support donation."
Celebrating the changes Sinn Fein Michelle O'Neil said: "This is an historic day as Dáithí’s Law comes into effect, with all adults in the north now considered organ donors unless they choose to opt out.
"Today belongs to little Dáithí Mac Gabhann, his parents Máirtín and Seph, and all who have campaigned tirelessly to get this life saving law over the line. You never gave up and have given hope and inspiration to the many people on the organ donation waiting list.
"This is an example of the real change that can be delivered when parties work together in the Assembly and Executive to better people’s lives and drive forward progressive legislation."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
