Nearly 65,000 people have added their names to the opt-out register for organ donation since legislation was introduced just over a year ago, which makes every adult a donor unless they expressly withdraw consent.
However, new figures show that the rate at which people are opting out has slowed considerably from a peak of almost 4,000 per day after the new law came into effect, reports Breaking News.
Data provided by the HSE reveals that 36,687 people added their names to the opt-out register in the first 10 days following the introduction of the legislation on 17 June 2025.
This initial surge saw an average of nearly 155 people contact the HSE every hour to withdraw their consent to organ donation during the first 10 days, reports Breaking News.
The rate slowed to around 300 per day during the first six months after the legislation was introduced, with 58,482 having added their names to the register by the end of last year.
The latest figures show the number opting out fell further in the second six months of the scheme, with 6,266 people withdrawing consent between 1 January and 30 June this year, reports Breaking News.
That equates to an average of around 35 per day during that period, lowering the daily average across the first 12 months of the scheme to around 170.
Despite the introduction of an opt-out system, official figures show the number of organ transplants taking place in Ireland fell to a five-year low in 2025, which the Irish Kidney Association said was of “deep concern,” reports Breaking News.
A spokesperson for the HSE confirmed that 64,748 people had added their names to the organ donation opt-out register by the end of last month.
“Legislation around organ donation has introduced a soft ‘opt-out’ organ donation system in Ireland, which means that you agree to be an organ donor when you die, unless you opt out,” she explained, reports Breaking News.
“If you die and are eligible to donate your organs, your next of kin are always consulted before any action is taken, and if they do not give consent, then the donation does not proceed.
“Therefore, it is important to emphasise that it is still really important for you to let others know your wishes in relation to organ donation, in the event of your untimely death,” the spokesperson added, reports Breaking News.
“Your family or significant other can then ensure that your wishes and values in life are honoured,” reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
