Organ Donor Cards

HC Deb 09 June 2003 vol 406 c700W

Mrs. Iris Robinson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to increase the number of individuals in Northern Ireland who carry organ donor cards; and if he will make a statement. [116991]

Mr. Browne

Over the past few years, organ donation rates in Northern Ireland have been among the highest in the UK and Ireland.

The Department currently provides funding to the NHS special health authority, 'UK Transplant', which widely promotes organ donation across the UK, including the carrying of donor cards and the joining of the UK Organ Donor Register. The Department also contributes to the funding of four local Organ Transplant Co-ordinators, who have an important role in promoting organ donation in Northern Ireland.

The Department continues to work with UK Transplant and local Organ Donation Co-ordinators to explore ways to further increase awareness of this important issue and promote organ donation.