There is concern among patients that the transfer of the pancreas transplant programme to St Vincent's Hospital in Dublin might be delayed.

The hospital expects to begin transplants in September - even though interviews for a suitable surgeon and a specialised team have not yet started.

Eight people need pancreas transplants, and more than 500 people are awaiting kidney transplants.

Colin White from the Irish Kidney Association says the HSE needs to understand the complexity surrounding the appointment:

The issue was discussed in the Seanad earlier this week, with senators successfully calling on Minister Leo Varadkar to appear to answer their questions and concerns.

Minister Varadkar told senators, "organ transplant can make an enormous difference to a patient, and to the lives of those around them. As Minister for Health, I am keen to ensure that we do all that we can to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from this gift of life.

"I can assure the House that every effort is being made to have all the necessary arrangements and protocols in place to facilitate St Vincent's being in a position to undertake pancreas transplants from mid-September, should a suitable donor-recipient match occur," he added.