Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson has welcomed the announcement by the Health Minister that over the last five years, Northern Ireland has seen an 81.8% increase in deceased organ donors.

The Upper Bann MLA said: “This is certainly a significant achievement for Northern Ireland, due in no small part to the sheer grit and determination of the charities of the NI Transplant Forum. Their hard work and determination to promote organ donation has been the driving force in achieving this.

“However, much more needs to be done to save on average, the fifteen local people who die each year waiting on that lifesaving organ. That is precisely why I have tabled a Private Members Bill at Stormont to make a simple change in the law from the current Opt-In to a new Opt-Out system of organ donation.

“The campaign to deliver this change is gathering momentum and I am delighted to have the full support of the charities of the transplant forum as well as broad political support across the major local Parties.

“The next stage in the process is a public consultation which will enable everyone to have their say on a change in the law and I am hopeful that this will demonstrate the widespread public support which exists across Northern Ireland for a move to an Opt-Out system.

“I have studied the research and there are countless examples across the world where this simple change has saved lives and I firmly believe that making that change in Northern Ireland is the right thing to do. It takes the Organ Donation Register to the next level and at the same time saves lives.

“Today’s news is welcome, but for those of us who are passionate advocates of organ donation there is still an immense amount of hard work and effort to come before we achieve our goal.”