Vol. 537 No. 1
118 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 128 of 28 March 2001, he has yet received the report from the North Eastern Health Board in relation to organ parts at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15348/01]
Responsibility for the provision of health services at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth, rests with the North Eastern Health Board. My Department has recently received correspondence from the North Eastern Health Board regarding organ retention at the hospital.
The Deputy will be aware of the Government decision to conduct an inquiry to review all post mortem examination policy, practice and procedure in the State since 1970, and in particular as it relates to organ removal, retention, storage and disposal by reference to prevailing standards both in and outside of the State and related matters. The inquiry will be conducted in two phases, the first of which is being chaired by Ms Anne Dunne SC, who will report to me on the inquiry's findings. On completion of the first phase of the inquiry, which has already commenced its work, and on receipt of its report, I will table a motion that the report be presented to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children.
