Over 220 organ transplants carried out in 2002

More than 220 organ transplants were carried out in Ireland last year, according to figures released to coincide with Organ Donor Awareness Week, which begins this Saturday.

144 of the operations were kidney transplants, 38 were liver transplants, 16 were heart transplants, 13 were lung transplants and 10 pancreas transplants.

Meanwhile, the Irish Kidney Association has called for the reintroduction of a 'living-related transplant programme', where organs are donated by a living relative of transplant patients.

It has also called for a more intensive organ procurement programme at intensive care units throughout Ireland.

Although organ donation is increasing in Ireland, 1,000 people still rely on dialysis and most hospitals providing the service are at saturation point.