I thank the Cabinet Secretary for health for his statement and also for his kind words. Naturally, this is an example of the commendable use of legislation in this place, and it is worth noting that, without the Assembly, this Act would not exist. I know that that’s stating the obvious to some extent, but many people ask, ‘What has the Assembly ever done for us?’ Well, here we have quite a commendable example of legislation that changes lives, that saves lives and which transforms other lives.

Would you agree with me that one of the main aspects of this legislation is that it sets a precedent in the discussion between the doctor or nurse and the family in these tragic circumstances, when somebody who they love deeply has died, and they have to have the conversation about what happens to the organs? I’ve been in that position myself. If you didn’t have the background of the legislation, that is, that the will of the country states that the expectation is that you will donate your organs—. Previously, prior to the legislation, there was no such expectation and, as a doctor, you could sound extremely hard-hearted in those extremely poignant moments when you also have to ask permission for somebody’s organs who, two hours previously, was completely healthy. That’s the great difference. International surveys have demonstrated that, in the previous situation in this country, if I, as a doctor, asked for that permission in that most difficult of situations, 40 per cent of families refused permission. But, in other countries that have already changed, where that discussion has taken place, and with the background that there is an expectation and that that is the will of the country, only 15 per cent of families now refuse consent. Those are the kinds of figures that we would expect to see now.

It’s also important to note that, when one person dies and consents to give their organs, you actually transform the lives of seven other people, bearing in mind that we’ve all got two kidneys, one liver, one pancreas, a heart, lungs and two corneas. All you need to do is the maths. So, I’m extremely pleased to see the success of this legislation. I could anticipate it happening over the years when we’ve had very intense and serious discussion in this place and outwith this place. I’m very pleased to see those figures confirming that. I would emphasise and also push you to persuade other Governments within these isles to follow the same path. Over the years, I have had discussions with people in the Scottish Parliament and in Northern Ireland and there are organisations there that are also following the way that we have taken here. But England is the big problem—well, in this context, as in a number of other contexts, obviously. But I would encourage you to try to persuade the Government in London to try and adopt similar legislation. Thank you.