Press Release: Tuesday 17 June 2025
Minister for Health announces the commencement of Part 2 of the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Act 2024
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, has today announced the commencement of Part 2 of the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Act 2024, concerning donation and transplantation.
The provisions of the Act coming into operation today provide, for the first time, a national legislative framework for organ donation and transplant services in Ireland.
From today, Ireland will have a soft opt-out system of consent for organ donation. This means that consent for organ donation will be deemed unless the person has registered a wish not to become an organ donor after death.
Families will continue to be consulted as part of a safe and respectful organ donation process, and the wishes of the deceased should be central to any decision. Guidelines have been published to assist in understanding this process.
Pathways for living organ donations have been expanded to include non-directed altruistic donation allowing living donors to donate to the transplantation system rather than to a specific person. In addition, the Living Donor Reimbursement Scheme is being placed on a statutory footing for the first time.
These changes were subject to extensive consultation during the creation of the legislation and throughout the development of the necessary supporting legislation, guidelines, and other practical arrangements including the HSE’s Relevant Organ Donation Opt-Out Register.
Reflecting on the significance of this step, Minister Carroll MacNeill said:
“I am pleased to enact this long-awaited legislation. Consent is the cornerstone of this new law. In commencing Part 2 of this Act, we are hoping to increase the donor pool in Ireland by making organ donation the norm, while always fully respecting the wishes of individuals and their families.
I extend my gratitude to everyone who contributed to shaping and bringing these provisions to life. I encourage everyone to discuss their organ donation wishes with their families.”
For more information on the change please visit: www.gov.ie/organdonation