Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 1

Written Answers. - Post-Mortem Examinations.

Michael Creed

Question:

206 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will identify all of the hospitals in the Southern Health Board region that have been involved in the removal and retention of children's organs; and if any expression of regret or apology has issued by the hospitals concerned. [15087/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The Deputy will be aware that I have announced an inquiry to review all post-mortem examination policy, practice and procedure in the State since 1970.

The terms of reference for the inquiry stipulate that it may examine the application of these policies, practices and procedures in hospitals generally and in particular their application in the major academic teaching hospitals in the State. The terms of reference also state that the inquiry may examine any specific cases in any hospital as it deems appropriate in relation to post-mortem examination and post-mortem examination related matters.

The inquiry will be conducted in two phases and I have appointed Ms Anne Dunne, Senior Counsel, to head up the first phase of the inquiry. The inquiry is to furnish me with its final report within six months of its establishment. On receipt of this report I will then table a motion that the report be presented to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children. The committee, on considering the report, will come to its own conclusions having regard to the terms of reference of the inquiry, holding a public hearing and calling witnesses as appropriate.

The identification of hospitals which were involved in the practices referred to by the Deputy is a matter for the inquiry. The Deputy will appreciate the importance of the preservation of the inquiry's independence and integrity and I consider it inappropriate at this stage therefore, to comment on this matter.