Vol. 536 No. 5
87 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children when he intends to introduce legislative measures to deal with the issue of retention and use of organs in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14823/01]
The Deputy will be aware that the Government decided to establish an inquiry into all post mortem examination policy, practice and procedure in the State since 1970, in particular as it relates to organ removal, retention, storage and disposal. The inquiry will be conducted in two phases, the first of which is being chaired by Ms Anne Dunne S.C., who will report to me on the inquiry's findings. On completion of the first phase of the inquiry and on receipt of its report, I will table a motion that the report be presented to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children.
I am also setting up an expert advisory group to review the existing legislative and regulatory framework surrounding the use of human tissue and to advise me on the need for legislative change in this area.
