ILFA Welcomes Enactment of Human Tissue Bill – A Major Step Forward for Organ Donation in Ireland

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 June 2025

Dublin, Ireland — The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA), the national patient organisation for lung fibrosis, warmly welcomes the commencement of the Human Tissue Act 2024 today. This landmark legislation brings into effect a much‑anticipated “soft opt‑out” organ donation system, a milestone long supported by ILFA and the broader Irish Donor Network.

ILFA has campaigned relentlessly with the Irish Donor Network and others, urging the introduction of an opt‑out model designed to significantly bolster Ireland’s donor pool. With nearly 700 people currently awaiting organ transplants in Ireland—including many individuals living with progressive lung fibrosis—today’s enactment offers new hope and a second chance at life for patients and their families.

“We are delighted to see this long‑awaited legislation commence,” said Maureen O’Donnell, CEO of ILFA. “The soft opt‑out system better aligns Ireland with leading organ donation nations and marks a transformative shift in societal culture around donation. Our hope now is that the HSE, Department of Health, and transplant services promptly invest in public education, infrastructure, and staffing to reverse the dramatic decline in lung transplants and to ensure the success of this new approach.”

ILFA continues to echo calls from its fellow Donor Network members for:

• Robust funding for Organ Donation & Transplant Ireland (ODTI) to effectively manage the transition

• A comprehensive public awareness campaign explaining how the soft opt‑out system works and the vital role families will continue to play

• Clear practical guidelines for healthcare professionals and families, including oversight and evaluation mechanisms within the next three years

“Talk to your family members and make your organ donation wishes known.” added O’Donnell. “We see examples every day of how organ donations can save lives.”

About ILFA

Founded in 2002, ILFA supports lung fibrosis patients and the larger caregiving community through advocacy, education, research and supports. The organisation advocates for patient-centred policy, timely access to treatment, and improvements across the transplant journey.

Notes

• Soft opt-out donor consent is now the default for adults in Ireland; individuals may choose to opt out via the HSE register. Designated family members will still be consulted at the time of donation.

• This legislation represents a robust framework for organ, tissue, and cell donation from both deceased and living donors, as well as strengthened consent processes for post-mortems and anatomical examinations.

• Find out more about the change at gov.ie/organdonation

For media enquiries or further information:
Maureen O’Donnell, CEO

ILFA
Email: info@ilfa.ie | Phone: 086 871 5264