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Organ Retention.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 June 2004

Tuesday, 22 June 2004

Questions (37, 38)

Emmet Stagg

Question:

35 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date by the Dunne inquiry into the retention of organs of deceased children; the date a report will be published; and the steps being taken to address the concerns of the families affected. [18388/04]

View answer

Seán Haughey

Question:

200 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Health and Children the objectives of the Dunne inquiry; its background; and when a report is expected. [18571/04]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 35 and 200 together.

The inquiry is chaired by Ms Anne Dunne, SC. It was asked to review postmortem policy, practice and procedures in all hospitals in the State since 1970, particularly relating to organ removal, retention and disposal. Following consultations that I had with the chairman in late 2002, it was agreed that the inquiry would give priority to the completion of its work in respect of postmortem issues in paediatric hospitals with a view to furnishing a report by the end of 2003. This would be followed by a second report on postmortem issues in maternity hospitals and a third report on other hospitals.

In recent correspondence the inquiry informed me that it has not proved possible to complete the report on paediatric hospitals within the timeframe as matters have taken longer to conclude than previously anticipated.

The inquiry advised that, with some exceptions, the information gathering on paediatric hospitals is complete. The analysis of information and establishing which matters remain in dispute has concluded. The inquiry must deal with the resolution of matters in dispute and the conclusion of its report. This involves communication to participants of matters in dispute; written evidence on matters in dispute; such oral hearings as are necessary on matters in dispute; resolution of such matters; and an opportunity for participants to make submissions where the report proposes to make criticisms.

The inquiry further advised that it has at all times kept in mind the need to proceed with its work on maternity hospitals as soon as the paediatric hospitals report was completed. It continued to work in this regard to ensure that all documentation will be available to the inquiry when required. Preparation for reports on other hospitals continues but its primary concern at present is the completion of the report on paediatric hospitals.

Parents for Justice represents a number of families affected by the retention of organs. Despite the fact that it decided to withdraw from the inquiry process in 2002, my Department continued to assist it in providing support to families. To date €814,011 was granted to PFJ.

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