Sinn Féin MLA Áine Murphy has welcomed the passage of the Organ Donation Bill through its final stage in the Assembly last week.

Under the Bill, from next spring, it will be considered that everyone is willing to donate their organs unless they have opted out, or fall into one of a number of excluded groups.

The Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA said: "The passing of the Organ Donation Bill through its final stage in the Assembly last week was most welcome.

"This life-saving legislation will make a real difference to many families, particularly those desperately waiting for a transplant.

"The success of this Bill passing belongs to all those that campaigned for this historic change in the law, particularly little Dáithí Mac Gabhann and his family [after whom the Bill is named].

"I proudly got to wear my 'Donate4Dáithí' pin in the Assembly Chamber during the passing of the Bill to show my continued support for Dáithí and the many others who are currently waiting for an organ transplant.

"I would encourage people to keep having conversations about organ donation, especially with their families, to help transform the lives of so many."