The Irish Kidney Association says it expects the number of heart and lung transplants due to take place this year will exceed national targets.

It comes as new figures show the number of liver, kidney and pancreas transplant operations performed this year are behind the HSE's expectations. Only 18 living kidney donations have been made so far this year, which is well behind the target of 50.

According to the Irish Independent, however, heart and lung transplants are expected to exceed national targets. The overall number of transplants is also on track to equal last year's record breaking total of 294.

Mark Murphy, Chief Executive of the Irish Kidney Association, says he expects the situation will improve during the second half of the year: