Sir, – There has been an attempt by certain Government backbench TDs, with no previous interest or expertise in this area, to cry “stunt” at Senator Mark Daly’s recall of the Seanad to debate an EU directive in relation to organ donation. The debate has had numerous positive effects: there was a focused national debate on organ donation, the HSE has since promised to appoint more staff dedicated to the area and there has been a timeline given for the progress of the proposed human tissues Bill.
It has been argued that this should have been debated within normal Oireachtas sitting time, however it was political genius to wait to recall the Seanad, for instead of this issue being a minor segment on Oireachtas Report with no onus on the Government to act, there was an open debate that effected change in this area.
While it could be said that for those not (currently) affected by organ donation it is a relatively minor issue, I’m sure that for any person on a waiting list the focus in this area will be welcomed.
In a way this was a stunt, a publicity stunt, and not one for the benefit of Fianna Fáil or Senator Mark Daly or Seanad reform, but for the benefit of all citizens who have been, who are or who will be affected by the issue of organ donation. – Yours, etc,
SEAN CASSIDY,
St Laurence’s Road,
Dublin 20.