Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 December 2004
153 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will report and make a statement on the retention of vital organs of the spouse of a person (details supplied) by Beaumont Hospital in 2002 without the permission of this person and their family; if she will further report on the progress of the non-statutory Dunne inquiry; and if she has plans to introduce legislation to remedy this matter. [32479/04]
View answerThe chairman of the post mortem inquiry has indicated that she will provide a report on paediatric hospitals in December 2004. There are ongoing consultations with the inquiry in relation to the other elements of its remit, having regard to the Government decision that the Inquiry should conclude by 31 March next.
The European Commission is considering the question of a directive in respect of organ transplantation, including the issue of consent, and proposed to conduct a thorough scientific evaluation of the situation. It will present a report on its analysis to the Council of the European Union as soon as possible. It is hoped that this will provide the framework for the development of legislation in this area. In the meantime, it is intended to establish an expert group to review organ donation, procurement and utilisation policy in Ireland. The work of this group will inform Ireland's contribution to the discussion in relation to the proposed directive on organs.
In relation to the specific case mentioned by the Deputy, the position is that services at Beaumont Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the Eastern Regional Health Authority. My Department has, therefore, asked the regional chief executive of the authority to examine the issue raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.
