Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 4

Written Answers. - Post-Mortem Procedures.

Noel Ahern

Question:

112 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will outline the proper procedure, protocol and standards that exist where organs have been removed during a post-mortem in hospital; if relatives should be told when an organ has been removed; if so, when they should be told; if a time period is recommended; if the organ should be destroyed when the post-mortem is completed or when the death certificate is issued; the reason a hospital should retain an organ thereafter; if a family should be told when death is registered; the person who has responsibility to tell them; and his views on whether it is reasonable to expect families to telephone up daily. [22769/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The professional body responsible for standards and practices in pathology in Ireland, the faculty of pathology, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, has circulated guidelines which cover consent arrangements for post-mortem examin ation and, in particular, the retention of tissue/organs for further diagnosis, teaching and research. The faculty has recommended to its fellows that specific consent for retention of tissue for such purposes be sought for all post-mortem examinations. The faculty considers that it is essential to be explicit in relation to this issue and the guidelines have been issued to all members of the faculty.

The chief medical officer of my Department wrote to the chief executive officer of each health agency on 9 December 1999, asking them to ensure that a policy of informed consent by next of kin to the carrying out of a post-mortem and retention of tissue/organs, operates in each health agency.

I am confident that the guidelines of the faculty of pathology, which will ensure that tissue and organs will only be used for diagnostic, treatment and research purposes where explicit consent has been obtained from next of kin, will form the basis for best practice in this area.

In addition, my Department wrote to the chief executive officer of each health board and voluntary hospital on 17 December 1999 asking them to put arrangements in place to respond to the needs and support requirements of all parents and families who may have concerns arising from the practices and procedures that were applied to that date. Each chief executive officer was also advised that an assurance had been given to the "Parents for Justice" support group that financial support would be provided in individual cases to families who wish to make private arrangements for interment of retained organs.

The Deputy will be aware that I have established an inquiry into post-mortem examination, policy, practice and procedure in the State since 1970. The inquiry in question will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will be chaired by Ms Anne Dunne, Senior Counsel, who will present me with a report of the inquiry's findings within six months. On receipt of this report I will then table a motion that it 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.