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  • Organ Donation Bill takes first step in Assembly

    Date published: 5 July 2021

    Health Minister Robin Swann has hailed today’s first reading of the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill as the latest step on the road to saving many lives in Northern Ireland.

    latest doh news text on plain bacground
    latest doh news text on plain bacground

    Speaking following the introduction of the Bill in the Assembly Minister Swann said: “Today’s first reading is just the latest step along what has already been a long road for those who have campaigned so diligently to bring this legislation forward. We still have a distance to travel but I am hopeful that public support in favour of an opt-out system for organ donations will be reflected in the Assembly.

    “Much work remains to be done if we are to achieve our aim of seeing this legislation passed before the end of this present mandate.

    "This will include a second stage debate to take place following the summer recess. Subject to Assembly agreement the Bill would then move to the Health Committee, whose call for evidence may be issued over the summer."

    Notes to editors:

    1. For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk. 
    2. Follow us on twitter @healthdpt.
    3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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