Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 2

Written Answers. - Organ Removal Practices.

John Browne

Question:

186 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to documents secured under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997, where a group (details supplied) has learned that in relation to a hospital (details supplied) there were rare instances in the past where a detailed examination of the cardiac conductive system required the transfer of organs to London, he will establish the extent of this practice and the identity of the person or institution to which these organs were transferred and the fate of these organs when the examination was completed. [13561/00]

John McGuinness

Question:

234 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if he can establish whether the practice of transferring organs from hospitals in Ireland to London was widespread; the Irish hospitals involved in this practice; the identity of the persons or institutions to whom these organs were transferred; the fate of these organs when the examinations were completed; and if financial gain was derived in any way from this practice. [13613/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 234 together.

I understand from Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, that it is an established practice among hospitals to transfer organs to other hospitals' laboratories. This most commonly arises where a second opinion is required or when technical or professional expertise available in a different institution is required. Organs were and continue to be transferred from Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, to other hospitals in contexts such as these.

My Department is making inquiries to establish the names of hospitals in London to which the Deputy refers and I will revert to the Deputy on this matter in due course.

However, I consider that these issues will be examined in the context of the forthcoming inquiry which I have every confidence will provide any outstanding details which the Deputy may require.