Clare Daly
Question:676. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to allegations of organs being removed from dead patients without permission [46344/12]
View answerTuesday, 23 October 2012
Questions (676)
Written answers
I am not aware of any recent reports of organs being removed from the deceased without permission. However, if the Deputy wishes to bring a particular issue to my attention, I will, of course, have the matter examined. It is important to note that consent from the family or next of kin of the deceased is not required if a post mortem examination is ordered by the Coroner, who has responsibility under the Coroners Act to investigate sudden, unexplained, violent and unnatural deaths, which may require a post-mortem followed by an inquest.
My Department is currently advancing legislative proposals for a Human Tissue Bill which will address the giving of consent for the removal, retention, storage, use and disposal of organs and tissues from deceased persons in the context of post-mortems, transplantation, research, or anatomical examination. The Health Service Executive has published "Standards and Recommended Practices for Post Mortem Examination Services" and has circulated these to relevant hospital staff. The overall aim of the standards and recommended practices for post-mortem examinations is to drive high quality post-mortem examination services, which are based on current legal requirements and in keeping with best professional practice. They include recommended practices in relation to consent.