The importance of organ donation is being highlighted ahead of Organ Donor Awareness Week, which runs from April 1-8.

A total of 280 organ transplants were carried out in Ireland last year, including 172 kidney transplants, 58 liver transplants and 15 heart transplants. Some 230 of these organs came from 77 deceased donors, while 50 were from living kidney donors.

In fact, last year also saw a big jump in the number of kidneys donated by living donors (50 versus 33 in 2015).

In addition to this, a further 11 paediatric organ transplants and seven living donor transplants involving Irish patients took place last year in the UK. These were organised by the HSE.

However, there are currently around 600 people in Ireland waiting for life-saving transplants.

Speaking at the launch of Organ Donor Awareness Week, the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, pointed out that only a very limited number of people die in circumstances where organ donation is a possibility.

"I would therefore ask that everyone would not only consider becoming an organ donor but, more importantly, would share this intention with their loved ones.

"In this way, the chances that your organs might be utilised after your death are increased, and people can also ensure that those left behind will have the satisfaction of knowing that the wishes of their loved one were carried through," he said.

He thanked the Irish Kidney Association (IKA) for its work in raising awareness of this issue over the years. The association organises Organ Donor Awareness Week every year and its aim is to keep reminding members of the public to have the discussion with their loved ones about organ donation.

Organ Donor Awareness Week also serves as a fundraiser for the IKA, with all proceeds going towards the IKA's support services for people on dialysis and those who have received a kidney transplant.

The IKA's charitable activities include the provision of a 13 double bedroom accommodation facility for patients and their families in the grounds of Beaumont Hospital, as well as holiday centres located in Tramore and Kerry.

The charity also offers supports such as patient advocacy, patient education and financial aid.

The IKA is the national organisation charged with the promotion and distribution of the organ donor card in Ireland, on behalf of Organ Donation Transplant Ireland. Organ Donor Cards can be obtained by phoning the IKA on 1890 543 639 or texting the word DONOR to 50050. See also www.ika.ie.