Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 28 Mar 2001

Vol. 533 No. 4

Written Answers. - Retention and Disposal of Organs.

Michael Bell

Question:

128 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a report from the North Eastern Health Board regarding the retention and disposal of organs taken from babies and children at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this procedure was carried out without the knowledge and permission of the parents; the person who decided on this policy; when the policy was decided; the number of children involved; the location where the organs were disposed; if the hospital has kept a record of each case; the location of this vital information; if he or the health board has decided to carry out a detailed and urgent inquiry into the matter; if this practice has been stopped; if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9151/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Responsibility for the provision of health services at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, rests with the North Eastern Health Board. My Department has not received a report from the North Eastern Health Board regarding retention and disposal of organs taken from babies and children at the hospital. However, my Department has asked the chief executive of the board to investigate the issues raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

The Deputy will be aware that on foot of a Government decision it was decided to conduct an inquiry 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 and related matters.

The chairman of the inquiry, Ms Anne Dunne SC, published a public notice in the national press on 23 February 2001 indicating that the inquiry had commenced its work.