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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Public Inquiries.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

567 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received the report of the Dunne inquiry into the retention of children's organs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20569/02]

The post mortem inquiry commenced work in March 2001 at which time it was envisaged that it would take approximately 18 months to complete its task i.e. by September 2002. I met the chairman, Anne Dunne, senior counsel, in early September and she informed me that she still had a substantial amount of work to undertake. I requested a progress report from her at that stage and she provided this to me on 2 October last.

The report shows, for example, that while oral submissions have been heard from 78 parents-next of kin, a further 328 parents-next of kin have yet to be heard. Having regard to the amount of work that remains to be undertaken by the inquiry, I do not expect the final report to be available for some considerable time.

I believe that the only way in which the timescale can be shortened, while at the same time guaranteeing that a comprehensive report is produced, is to give the inquiry a much sharper focus in consultation with Parents for Justice and other relevant parties. While the group has chosen to withdraw from the process I would urge it to rejoin it so that we may find a way forward.

Question No. 568 answered with Question No. 566.

Question No. 569 answered with Question No. 515.

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