Health Minister Robin Swann has hailed today’s first reading of the Organ and Tissue Donation (Deemed Consent) Bill as the latest step on the road to saving many lives in Northern Ireland.
Speaking following the introduction of the Bill in the Assembly, Minister Swann said: “Today’s first reading is just the latest step along what has already been a long road for those who have campaigned so diligently to bring this legislation forward.
"We still have a distance to travel but I am hopeful that public support in favour of an opt-out system for organ donation will be reflected in the Assembly.
“Much work remains to be done if we are to achieve our aim of seeing this legislation passed before the end of this present mandate. This will include a second stage debate to take place following the summer recess. Subject to Assembly agreement, the Bill would then move to the Health Committee, whose call for evidence may be issued over the summer."