The Irish Kidney Association has called for extra funding for staff, facilities for organ transplantation and the development of dialysis services.
Its Chief Executive, Mark Murphy, said there is a need for a formal living transplant programme in Ireland, which would allow organs to be donated by a living donor.
Mr Murphy claimed medical dramas and soap operas had distorted the public perception of what was involved in living transplantation.
The Irish Kidney Association says a living transplant programme could allow up to 60 extra kidney transplants a year, as well as the possibility of part-liver, lung and pancreas transplants in the future. Three living transplants were carried out last year.
Speaking in advance of Organ Donor Awareness Week, which begins on 2 April, Mr Murphy also said the number of Irish heart and lung transplants had reduced last year, while kidney transplants had increased.
