Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 22 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 6

Written Answers. - Coroners Act, 1962.

John Dennehy

Ceist:

267 Mr. Dennehy asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the proposals, if any, he has to make changes in the Coroners Act, 1962, arising from recently revealed information regarding the retention and unsanctioned use of children's organs and the comments of Mr. Justice Kelly in the High Court on 14 February 2000; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4987/00]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I could not undertake to say, in answer to a parliamentary question, what legislative proposals I may have in mind. When I have such proposals, I will bring them to the Government for approval and have them published in the normal way.

Having said that, in December 1998, the Government approved my proposals to establish a working group to undertake a comprehensive review of the coroner service. Throughout 1999, the group has examined all aspects of the service, including the Coroners Act, 1962. The group has had 16 plenary meetings and will shortly be concluding its deliberations. I expect to have its final report within the next few months.

While I do not wish to anticipate the findings of the group in relation to proposed changes to the 1962 Act, I understand its work to date has included a detailed consideration of both matters referred to by the Deputy.

In relation to the issue of organ retention, the working group is specifically addressing this issue in the light of the much publicised recent disclosures in this area and is monitoring developments in this regard to ensure its recommendations reflect the concerns being expressed.