SDLP Health Spokesperson Colin McGrath has said that a delay to Dáithií’s law is an absolute disgrace.

He was speaking after it emerged the automatic opt-out organ donation system will be held up due to the lack of an Executive and Assembly.

Mr McGrath said the DUP’s Stormont boycott could not be allowed to stand in the way of the important changes introduced through the legislation.

South Down MLA Mr McGrath said:

“It’s absolutely disgraceful this legislation that the MacGabhann family fought so hard for has been delayed due to the political failure that is having a harmful impact on everyone in the North. Following Dáithí’s story and his family’s campaign has been inspirational and I’m extremely disheartened that such a positive story has met difficulties due to the DUP’s ongoing boycott of the Stormont institutions.

“By increasing the number of organ donations in the North, with everyone registered unless they opt out, this legislation has the potential to save lives every single day. The news of this delay is disappointing not only for the MacGabhann family, but for every person currently waiting on an organ donation that has the potential to transform their lives.

“Every effort should be made to find a way around this delay and I would urge the NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to intervene and remove this needless hurdle so that patients can benefit without delay. This is the latest in a long line of issues that has hit a brick wall due to the lack of government here and no matter how much they try to avoid it, until the DUP do the right thing and get back to work people will continue to suffer.”