Members of the public are being urged to have their say on a new opt-out system of consent for organ donation.

Earlier this year, the Government approved the drafting of the Human Tissue Bill, which aims to regulate the removal, retention, storage, use and disposal of human tissue from deceased people.

Part of the Bill provides for an opt-out system of consent for organ donation. Currently, Ireland operates an opt-in system, which means people have to specifically state that they wish to donate their organs in the event of their death. The final decision is left with their next-of-kin.

An opt-out system means that organ donation is presumed unless people specifically register their intent not to donate.

This opt-out system has now moved a step closer with the opening of a public consultation on the Bill. This consultation will inform the drafting of legislation to provide for the new system, and will also cover others areas, such as regulating the removal, retention, storage, use and disposal of human tissue from deceased people.

According to the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, it is his aim that organ donation ‘is made the norm in Ireland when people pass away in circumstances in which donation is a possibility'.

"I am particularly interested in hearing the views of people on ways to increase awareness of organ donation and increase the number of organs donated in this country.

"Transplantation is a vital life-saving treatment, but it depends on the altruism of others. It is important that we do all we can to increase the number of organs available for transplantation," he said.

Last year, 280 transplants were carried out in Ireland, including 50 living kidney donor transplants. This marked an increase on 2015's figure of 266.

The Minister is encouraging everyone to make their views known on this issue.

"It is important that we all consider our position on organ donation and make our views known to our loved ones. I would also encourage people to make their views known on proposals relating to post mortem practices and procedures, anatomical examination, education and training and public display of bodies after death," he said.

He added that he hopes this ‘important piece of legislation' becomes law in 2018.

Responding to this, the Irish Donor Network, a coalition of seven patient groups concerned with organ donation, said that it supports the introduction of 'soft' opt-out organ donation in Ireland. This is where people are presumed to wish to donate their organs unless they opt out through an online registry. However, their next of kin will continue to be consulted and if they do not want an organ donated, it will not take place.

"It is important to emphasise that whether a person opts out of the system or not, families will ultimately have the final say. In this way, the donation will always remain a precious gift of life to another human being," commented the network's chairperson, Philip Watt.

The consultation questionnaire can be filled in here and the closing date for submissions is October 9.