Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA Phil Flanagan has called for the
introduction of legislation providing for an opt-out organ donation system.
Oisín McGrath, 13 and from Belcoo, was a keen sportsman, with a
fond interest in Gaelic games, soccer and athletics. The Sinn Fein MLA was
speaking after he paid tribute to Oisín McGrath, whose organs were donated to
five people after his tragic death last week.
Mr Flanagan said: “Oisín achieved much in a short life. His passing
is a terrible loss to his loving family, to the wider McGrath and Dolan
families and to the many friends he had.
His parents, Sharon and Nigel, have demonstrated amazing strength
in dealing with their tragic loss. I spoke with them on Saturday evening in
their home and they have drawn comfort from the support they have received from
their friends, neighbours and the wider community.”
So many people across Ireland have now heard about Oisín, who he
was and the legacy that he leaves behind. Five other people have received organ
transplants, as a result of Oisín’s tragic death. Sharon and Nigel were forced
to make the difficult decision whether to donate Oisín’s organs or not. They
decided to do so on the understanding that it is what he would have wanted.
“However, families should not have to go through such an ordeal at
such an emotional time. We need changes to the laws around organ donation and
an opt-out organ donation system must be introduced,” the MLA said.
Source-Medindia