Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 6

Written Answers. - Tribunals of Inquiry.

Kathleen Lynch

Question:

16 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the matters discussed and conclusions reached at his meeting with the Parents for Justice Group concerning aspects of the Dunne Inquiry into organ retention; the steps being taken to address the parents' concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22920/02]

I met representatives of Parents for Justice on 16 October last to hear their concerns about the post-mortem inquiry. While it was acknowledged that the inquiry has dealt sensitively and thoroughly with parents and next of kin who have been called for interview, it was clear that the length of time it is taking for the inquiry to carry out its work is a major issue for Parents for Justice. I told the representatives of Parents for Justice that I share their concerns about the timeframe for the inquiry. When the Government decided to set up a non-statutory inquiry into post-mortem practices, it did so in good faith believing it was the best option and that the task could be completed within 18 months, which time expired last September. When I met the chairman in early September, she informed me that the inquiry still had a substantial amount of work to undertake and she was not in a position to say when her report would be available.

During the meeting with Parents for Justice, I indicated that it would be unfair to them and to other parties concerned if the process was allowed to drag on indefinitely. However, I added that the notion that a changeover from a non-statutory to a statutory inquiry would overcome the timeframe problem is misguided. I indicated my belief that the only way in which the timescale can be shortened is to give the inquiry a much sharper focus in consultation with Parents for Justice and other relevant parties.

The other major issue of concern raised by Parents for Justice related to the statutory phase of the investigation. I assured the group that it has been and remains my intention that the investigation into post-mortem practice and organ retention issues will have a statutory phase. If it transpires that it is not possible to do so through an Oireachtas Committee, whether as a result of the Supreme Court judgment in the Abbeylara case or otherwise, I am committed to ensuring that it is done through another appropriate forum with statutory powers.

Despite my assurances to Parents for Justice that I was committed to the process, the group decided to withdraw from the inquiry process. I regret that and I have made it clear to the group that my door remains open for further discussions as I believe we can work together in partnership to resolve the present problems.

Question No. 17 lapsed.

Top
Share