The Seanad has rejected an attempt by Fianna Fáil to overturn Ireland's laws on organ donation.

The vote was tied at 22 each meaning the Seanad chairman Paddy Burke had to intervene to break the deadlock.

Fianna Fáil wanted the laws to be overturned on the basis that they should have created a single national authority for organ transplants. Health Minister James Reilly signed the legislation last year.

The party was criticised for trying to overturn the laws after Senator Mark Daly arranged the emergency debate this morning on whether to rescind them.

Earlier, Independent senator Jillian van Turnhout said there had been plenty of opportunities to call for a debate in the last year - without needing a special sitting during the summer break.

"I signed the motion for recall last year but not this year - and I believe I've clearly outlined my reasons" she said.

"Actually, part of me wonders - it's almost as if Senator Daly is trying to evoke the memory of Bobby Ewing, steeping out of the shower and forgetting that the past year has happened" she added.

There was also some criticism for the Health Minister himself with Mr. Reilly missing from the debate.

But the Junior Health Minister Alex White said the Irish model was one which worked well in other countries.