Promote organ transplantation: McKay

The proposals to change the law will be voted on this Monday. it follows the withdrawal of a Private Members Bill on the issue that was originally put forward by Joanne Dobson.

Mr McKay said: “With the withdrawal of the Private Members Bill we felt it was important that some change to the law was still considered in relation to organ donation.

“In the north we have some of the best organ donation rates in the world. We should still strive to do better.

“Our amendments would place a duty on the Department to promote transplantation and increase awareness about transplantation. This will include a duty to promote a campaign informing the public at least once a year. It also ensures that the Department lay before the Assembly a report on transplantation at least once a year.

“We have met with those who have called for changing the current system including campaigners Joe Brolly, Shane Finnegan and those in our Health service who perform these operations day in day out. This will make no doubt increase our organ donation rates and I hope other parties will support our proposals.”