Casting vote needed to break Seanad deadlock
The Seanad has today rejected an attempt by Fianna Fáil Senator Mark Daly to overturn Ireland's laws on organ donation.
The vote was tied at 22 each, meaning the Seanad's chairman Paddy Burke had to intervene to break the deadlock.
Fianna Fáil wanted the laws to be overturned on the basis that they should have created a single national authority for organ transplants.
Junior health minister Alex White argued the EU regulations set out a clear legal framework for quality and safety standards for organs intended for transplantation.
He said annulling the legislation would put Ireland in conflict with European legislation.
He said the regulations set requirements for the safe transportation of organs and for the characterisation of every donor and organ.
"The HSE is already the agency responsible for the broad oversight of hospitals, and is responsible for ensuring that standards for equipment in theatres are adhered to, throughout the system," he said.
Junior Health Minister Alex White said Ireland's model was one which worked well in other countries.
"Indeed, similar arrangements apply in countries such as the UK, France and The Netherlands," he said.
