Dan Neville
Question:111 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if organs or tissue were removed at a post-mortem completed at Limerick Regional Hospital from a baby (details supplied) who died in 1984. [7322/00]
Written Answers. - Hospital Practices.
I recently announced that an inquiry will be held into issues relating to post-mortem examinations, organ removal, organ retention and organ disposal. I consider this matter to be of major importance and I am concerned that the issues arising should be addressed in a way which will have full regard to the sensitivities of the parents and families concerned. It is my intention that the inquiry will be empowered to examine any specific cases in any hospital in the State as it deems appropriate. I anticipate that the terms of reference of the inquiry will be finalised in the very near future and I am concerned that it should commence as speedily as possible.
In the interim period pending the commencement of the inquiry, anyone seeking pertinent information about post-mortems on deceased members of their families should be provided with every assistance in this regard from the hospitals involved. My Department has asked the Mid-Western Health Board to investigate the particular case referred to by the Deputy and to contact the parents of the deceased baby with the findings of its investigation. The parents will receive all necessary support including independent counselling services if appropriate.