Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Alan Chambers MLA has called on the current First Minister and deputy First Minister to approve an urgent request from Robin Swann to let the important Organ Donation and Children & Adoption Bills come to the floor of the Assembly for debate and consideration.

Alan Chambers said:

“These are two crucially important Bills. The internal turmoil of the DUP shouldn`t stop the Organ Donation Bill and the Children and Adoption Bill progressing. Robin Swann has now asked for both to proceed by Urgent Procedure so the First Minister and deputy First Minister should sign both through today. There`s no excuse for any further delay.

“The Organ Donation Bill would transform our organ donation laws by moving Northern Ireland to a soft opt-out system, rather than the current opt-in arrangements. Every year 10-15 people here tragically pass away whilst waiting on the transplant list, so there’s no doubt whatsoever that this Bill, which is supported by firm international evidence and clinical data, would save lives.

“Similarly the Children and  Adoption Bill would dramatically update and modernise our adoption laws, mirroring changes that were already introduced for England and Wales almost two decades ago in 2002 and for Scotland in 2007.

“Both of these Bills are drafted and are ready to go the Assembly. However, the formal process requires the Executive to give its permission to do so. Whilst there is no doubt that a clear majority of Executive Ministers support both Bills, even they can’t consent until it formally gets onto an Executive agenda, and that requires the support of both the First Minister and deputy First Minister. That is where the current blockage is.

“I have spoken to the Health Minister today and he has confirmed to me that he has made another urgent formal request for the First and deputy First Minister to consent to the Bills being passed to the Assembly for debate and let the democratic process take its course. It would be shameful and an abhorrent abdication of responsibility if Sinn Fein and the DUP used a technical veto to block what are undoubtedly hugely significant pieces of legislation.”