Dr James Hendron, a surgeon at Harvard Medical School, said better anti-rejection drugs would be needed if hand transplants were to become more common.
That is the opinion of one councillor from the cross community Alliance party, Maire Hendron, speaking during Belfast City Council's meeting on Monday night.
Councillor Marie Hendron said: ""As we move forward in building a shared future for everyone, we believe this policy provides the best opportunity to enhance community relations.