Donate4Dáithí campaign “overjoyed” at progress on soft opt-out organ donation bill
Four-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann has been waiting for a new heart for almost three years
Last updated 25th Jun 2021
The family of Dáithí Mac Gabhann have said they are “emotional” and “overjoyed” that the soft opt-out organ donation bill will proceed.
Northern Ireland's First Minister, Paul Givan, gave his “approval'' yesterday evening (Thursday) for the new legislation.
The DUP member took to twitter to announce he had given the go-ahead to the Health Minister's soft opt-out organ donation bill to proceed by way of urgent procedure to the Assembly.
The post read: “I have given approval for legislation from Robin Swann on Soft Opt-Out Organ Donation to proceed by way of urgent procedure to the Northern Ireland Assembly.''
Robin Swann's bill would mean people automatically became donors unless they specifically say otherwise.
Northern Ireland remains the last part of the UK without a soft opt-out system.
Under current law, organ donation proceeds only where someone has given their express consent, such as having signed the Organ Donor Register.
The parents of four-year-old Dáithí Mac Gabhann from west Belfast, who has been waiting for a new heart for almost three years, said they were “absolutely delighted'' with the decision.
Dáithí was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, which essentially means he only has half a working heart.
His father Máirtín and Mother Steph have been campaigning for a change in the law for years.
Mr Mac Gabhann told Downtown and Cool Fm that they welcome the announcement but has warned there is still a long way to go.
He said: “We have just received two phone calls tonight from First Minister Paul Givan and he has confirmed to us that he will give his approval to Robin Swann’s urgent procedure for the soft opt-out organ donation legislation.
“It’s been a very long few years really and the last few weeks have been a bit chaotic and we’ve been shouting from the rooftops, so tonight’s news is most welcome, and we’re just so overjoyed we’re so emotional.
“There’s still a lot to do to get this legislation through.
“Time is still against us, but we have a change with this news we have a chance and we have a fighting chance.
“We’re thrilled we’re overjoyed, but it’s not over yet.
“So, there can be no more delays.
“It’s going to the assembly floor now where it will be debated.
Mr Swann said he was “pleased'' to confirm his organ donation bill has been signed off for urgent procedure and will go to Assembly Speaker today (Friday).
He tweeted: “Have just spoken with both Paul Givan and Michelle O’Neill, pleased to say that our soft opt-out organ donation bill has been signed off for an urgent procedure, so will now go to the NI Assembly Speaker tomorrow.''
The British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland (BHF NI) and the Donate4Daithi campaign welcomed the agreement by Stormont's First Minster and deputy First Minister to sign off on the draft legislation and allow it progress to the floor of the Assembly, but warned there is “no time to waste''.
Head of the BHF NI Fearghal McKinney said: “Our elected representatives will now have the opportunity to consider, scrutinise and debate the issue. But we must not get complacent, this is just the start of the process.
“This Assembly's mandate will run out next year and we have no time to waste.
“One person's decision to donate their organs is a gift that can save and improve the lives of up to nine other people.
“We believe a change in the legislation, along with a strengthened health system and a public information campaign will lead to more people receiving the gift of a donated organ.''