MPs back Dáithí's Law on organ donation
The law is named after the six-year-old from Belfast who is waiting on a heart transplant
Last updated 22nd Feb 2023
MPs have backed new organ donation legislation for Northern Ireland, known as 'Daithi’s Law'
It comes following a last-minute intervention from the UK government, who have today agreed changes to the Northern Ireland Executive Formation Bill allowing the law to progress to the next stage.
The Law, named after the six year old Belfast boy in need of a heart transplant, was delayed due to the political stalemate at Stormont.
Mairtin MacGabhann traveled to Westminster with his son today to watch the debate from the public viewing gallery in the House of Commons.
Mr Mac Gabhann said: "It's an emotional and a very proud day."
"The victory is finally sinking in. I don't think it will fully sink in for a few years maybe."
"We have met with the Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris and there was celebration in their air."
"We are just delighted, beyond proud of Daithi, beyond proud of ourselves and looking forward to Daithi's Law being implemented."
Six-year-old Dáithí celebrated by singing: "Dáithí's Law is going through!"
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris praised the family for their "valiant efforts", telling MPs: "They should not need to be here today to see this change being put in place. The Assembly could and should have convened to take this across the finish line."
He added: "I recognise that this issue is exceptional both in terms of the sheer importance it holds and also the cross-party support it commands both in Northern Ireland and this House and on that basis the Government has tabled... important amendments to this Bill to facilitate those changes to be taken forward in the Assembly in the continued absence of a speaker."
Mr Heaton-Harris noted: "When I was talking with Daithi earlier today I asked him whether he fancied his chances of getting elected here and trying to put us all straight, because a bit of common sense in some of our dealings would probably go a long way, and I think he and his family have displayed that in huge quantity.
The opt-out donation system, which already operates in the rest of the UK, will mean adults in Northern Ireland will be presumed to be donors, unless they take a decision to opt out.
The Bill received an unopposed second reading and will now make its way to the House of Lords for further scrutiny.
Full implementation is expected in summer 2023