The terms of reference of the post-mortem inquiry are very broad and deal with all post-mortem policy, practice and procedure in the State since 1970, in particular, as it relates to organ removal, retention, storage and disposal. The inquiry is also mandated to examine any arrangements with pharmaceutical companies with regard to retained organs. The inquiry team has been examining thousands of documents and witness statements from a range of persons, including the pharmaceutical industry. The chairman has informed me that the inquiry has received considerable co-operation from each of the hospitals with which it is dealing at present and that the inquiry's non-statutory nature has not thus far significantly hampered its substantive work.
The persons who contacted the Deputy may wish to make contact with the relevant hospital for further details about the particular post-mortem that affects them.