asked the Minister for Health if he will comment upon the last annual report of the National League of the Blind in Ireland with reference to the need to win more widespread support for a national eye bank.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Eye Bank.
4.
Mr. Ryan
I am advised that the supply of material for corneal grafting is adequate. Some time ago, when the matter was previously under consideration in my Department, it was decided, following consultation with those mainly concerned in Dublin with the performance of this operation, that a publicity campaign was undesirable but arrangements were put in train to ensure a regular source of supply, as needed. No approach has been made to my Department about the matter by the body mentioned in the question.
The wider question of the regulation of the supply and storage of material for use in the transplantation of human organs, tissues, etc. generally is at present under consideration in my Department, but it is too early to say yet what action, if any, may be considered necessary or desirable following that consideration.