Organ Donation

Thousands of people are able to live a fuller and more productive life because of lifesaving decisions made by families like yours.

Although it may be hard to believe at the time it is possible for something positive to come from death...a new life for someone else.

About the opt-out register

If you are 18 or older and living in Ireland, you will be considered a potential organ donor when you die.
Your next of kin will always be consulted before any action is taken. Your next of kin is a family member or a close friend who can consent to this decision.
If you do not want to be an organ donor, you can opt out by adding your name to the opt-out register.

When the opt-out register is checked

The opt-out register will be checked if:

• you die on a life support machine (ventilator) in hospital
  
• it's possible your organs could be donated to improve someone else's life

If you have not opted out, donation specialists will talk to your next of kin about organ donation. Organ donation will only go ahead with their consent.

If you opt-out

If you are on the opt-out register, your organs will not be donated. Your next of kin will not be asked about organ donation. They cannot change your decision after you die.

If you want to opt-out of organ donation

Add your name to the organ donation opt-out register if you do not want to be an organ donor.

If you are on the opt-out register, your next of kin will not be asked about organ donation. You should also tell your next of kin that you do not want to be an organ donor.
If you add your name to the opt-out register, none of your organs will be donated. You can use the opt-out register at any time - there is no closing date. Phone HSE 1800700700