Martin Ferris
Ceist:299 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will establish the Dunne inquiry into organ retention as a full statutory inquiry. [19210/02]
Written Answers. - Tribunals of Inquiry.
I met representatives of Parents for Justice last week and listened carefully to their concerns about the investigatory process. While they acknowledged that the inquiry chaired by Ms Anne Dunne, SC, has dealt sensitively and thoroughly with parents and next of kin who have been called for interview, they expressed concerns about the length of time it is taking for it to carry out its work. They also believe, based on legal advice, that the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children may not be able to conduct hearings into the report of the inquiry, when it becomes available, as had been envisaged when the inquiry was established.
I informed the group that I share their concerns in relation to the time-frame for the inquiry. It was expected to conclude in September, but it is now clear that the completion is some considerable time off. I indicated to the group that I was prepared to explore possible options for expediting the completion of the report of the inquiry. As regards the referral of the report of the inquiry to the Oireachtas committee, I reiterated that it has been and remains my intention that the investigation into organ retention issues will have a statutory phase. If it transpires that it is not possible to do so through an Oireachtas committee, I gave a commitment to the group that it would be done through another forum.