If you are 18 or older and living in Ireland, you will be considered a potential organ donor when you die.
Your next of kin will always be consulted before any action is taken. Your next of kin is a family member or a close friend who can consent to this decision.
If you do not want to be an organ donor, you can opt out by adding your name to the opt-out register.
When the opt-out register is checked
The opt-out register will be checked if:
- you die on a life support machine (ventilator) in hospital
- it's possible your organs could be donated to improve someone else's life
If you have not opted out, donation specialists will talk to your next of kin about organ donation. Organ donation will only go ahead with their consent.
If you opt out
If you are on the opt-out register, your organs will not be donated. Your next of kin will not be asked about organ donation. They cannot change your decision after you die.
If you want to opt out of organ donation
Add your name to the organ donation opt-out register if you do not want to be an organ donor.
If you are on the opt-out register, your next of kin will not be asked about organ donation. You should also tell your next of kin that you do not want to be an organ donor.
If you add your name to the opt-out register, none of your organs will be donated.
You can use the opt-out register at any time - there is no closing date.
If you need help opting out
If you need help opting out, someone else can phone HSE Live with your consent.
They will be asked some personal details as part of this process. For example, their name, address and relationship to you.
Phone HSE Live on 1800 700 700.
Change your mind
You can change your decision at any time by removing yourself from the opt-out register.
You only need to do this if you added your name to the opt-out register in the past.
Excluded groups
The opt-out register does not apply to:
- children under 18
- people who do not normally live in Ireland or who have lived here for less than a year
- people who may not have had the capacity to decide to opt out of organ donation before they died
The next of kin will always be asked for consent in these cases.
If next of kin cannot be contacted
If your next of kin cannot be contacted in time, organ donation will not go ahead.
If the hospital cannot find someone to consent to organ donation on your behalf, it will not go ahead.
If you want to be an organ donor
There is no opt-in register for organ donation. You do not need to take any action with the opt-out register.
Tell your next of kin that you want to be an organ donor. If you would only like to donate specific organs, tell your next of kin. They will give consent for any wishes you have.