Bernard Allen
Question:214 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has satisfied himself that coroners will agree to co-operate with the Inquiry into the Retention of Children's Organs. [15128/00]
Written Answers. - Post-Mortem Examinations.
The inquiry, which I announced on 9 February 2000, is essentially to review all post-mortem examination policy, practice and procedure in the State since 1970, and in particular as it relates to organ removal, retention, storage and disposal by reference to prevailing standards both in and outside of the State. It will also examine the application of these policies, practices and procedures in hospitals generally.
In the course of consultations prior to drafting the terms of reference there were a number of cases where concern has arisen in relation to some post-mortem examinations which allegedly should have been conducted on the instruction of a coroner and others which were allegedly portrayed as being necessary on the instruction of a coroner.
It was for this reason that the terms of reference of the inquiry specifically state that post-mortem examination refers to any post-mortem examination including, where appropriate, any post-mortem examinations directed by the coroner.
The terms of reference were agreed by the Government and I would expect that all coroners will co-operate on all relevant matters with the inquiry. I am confident that such co-operation will be forthcoming and I have no reason to believe otherwise.