Organ and body donation

What Is Organ Donation?

Organ donation is when you allow healthy organs and tissue from your body to be used to help others through transplantation. Common organs donated include:

• Heart
• Lungs
• Liver
• Kidneys
• Pancreas

Some organs, such as a kidney, can also be donated while you’re alive, but this requires informed consent and strict medical checks.

When Can Organs Be Donated?

Organ donation usually takes place after death, when:

• The person is in hospital on a ventilator (life support), and
• Death has occurred due to brain stem death or cardiac death

Two independent doctors must confirm death before organ donation begins.

Donating organs does not delay the funeral or alter how the body looks.

 Changes since 17 June 2025?

The Human Tissue Act 2024 came into effect on 17 June 2025. It introduces an opt-out system for organ donation, meaning:

• If you are over 18 and haven’t opted out, you will be presumed to have consented to donate the following organs after your death:
  • Heart
  • Lungs
  • Liver
  • Kidneys
  • Pancreas

                    For all other organs, tissues, or cells, your family’s consent will still be needed.

I Do Not Want to Donate Organs

• You must register your decision on the new national opt-out register.
• Once you’re on the register, your decision will be respected, and your family will not be asked about organ donation after your death.
• It’s also important to talk to your family and let them know your wishes.

 I Want to Donate My Organs

• If you don’t opt out and are over 18, you’ll be presumed to have consented.
• Even with presumed consent, your designated family member will be consulted before donation goes ahead.
• Let your family know your wishes to avoid confusion.

 Who Is My Designated Family Member?

The person who has had real and substantial contact with your medical care before your death.

If unclear, the following order is used:

1. Spouse or civil partner
2. Cohabitant
3. Children
4. Parents or guardians
5. Siblings or step-siblings
6. Grandparents
7. Grandchildren
8. Aunts or uncles
9. Nieces or nephews
10. A close friend who can communicate your wishes

Donating Your Whole Body to Medical Research

You can donate your body to help educate healthcare professionals. Contact one of these medical schools directly:

• University College Dublin
• Trinity College Dublin
• Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
• University College Cork
• University of Galway

To donate:

• Tell your next-of-kin
• Include your decision in your will

Note: Your family can still override your decision. The Human Tissue Act 2024 will introduce clear guidelines on body donation and consent once implemented.

Post-Mortems and Donation

If a coroner is involved:

• Their permission is required for organ donation.
• Written consent from your next-of-kin is also needed.

Donating for transplant is not a post-mortem procedure and happens in an operating theatre.
Donating for research is part of post-mortem procedures and happens in a mortuary.

The new law will improve how families are informed and consulted about post-mortems.

Organ Donation Transplant Ireland

Ground Floor, Bridgewater Business Centre
Conyngham Road, Islandbridge, Dublin 8
Phone  01 778 4361
email odti@hse.ie

 Irish Kidney Association (IKA)

Donor House, Block 43A, Park West, Dublin 12
 01 620 5306
www.ika.ie
 info@ika.ie

 Online Resources

• Gov.ie
• HSE Website – Organ Donation