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Organ Retention.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004

Thursday, 7 October 2004

Questions (189, 190)

John Deasy

Question:

189 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the period of time that was granted to the Dunne inquiry to complete a report; when she expects this report to be published; the cost to date of producing this report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23825/04]

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John Deasy

Question:

190 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the level of co-operation which has been given by the health board to the Dunne inquiry; the efforts which have been made by the hospitals concerned to contact the next of kin of the deceased persons from whom these glands were removed; and if her attention has been drawn to the profits made by companies (details supplied) from the sale of these organs. [23826/04]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.

The terms of reference of the post mortem inquiry require it to review post mortem policy, practice and procedure in all hospitals in the State since 1970, with particular reference to organ removal, retention, storage and disposal. The inquiry is also mandated to examine any arrangements with pharmaceutical companies in relation to retained organs including pituitary glands.

The chairman has confirmed that the inquiry has received considerable co-operation from each of the hospitals with which it is dealing and that its non-statutory nature has not thus far significantly hampered its substantive work.

The chairman has indicated she will provide a report on paediatric hospitals in December 2004. At a meeting between the former Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, and the chairman on 8 September it was agreed to examine the inquiry's methodology with the objective of her producing as comprehensive a report as possible on outstanding issues by 31 March next. Pending receipt of the chairman's report, I feel it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the actions of specific pharmaceutical companies. I am advised that individual hospitals have adopted differing policies as regards the question of contacting next of kin of deceased persons whose organs were retained.

At the end of August 2004, the inquiry had incurred direct expenditure of €11,577,610. This includes fees to the inquiry's legal team and costs associated with the establishment, rental and administration of an office. My Department has also provided funding to the Eastern Regional Health Authority and Parents for Justice in respect of the inquiry, related expenditure amounting to €6,780,424. This brings total expenditure relating to the inquiry to the end of August, 2004 to €18.358 million.

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