Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
129 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the Dunne inquiry’s investigations into maternity hospitals will be as rigorous as the investigations into paediatric hospitals; the reason it is intent on completing all work by March 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26493/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government has decided that the post mortem inquiry will conclude by 31 March next. The chairman has advised that the report of its investigations in relation to paediatric hospitals will be furnished by the end of the year. Consultations are continuing on the completion of the balance of the inquiry’s remit.
130 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if all persons whose relatives have had pituitary glands retained by hospitals for onward transmission to pharmaceutical companies will be so informed that such retention occurred; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26494/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that individual hospitals have adopted differing policies on the question of contacting next of kin of deceased persons pituitary glands were retained. For example, one hospital recently made contact with next of kin to advise them that pituitary glands of deceased relatives had been retained. A number of those contacted were greatly distressed at the news. Subsequently, another hospital decided not to make direct contact with next of kin and, instead, placed notices in the newspapers inviting next of kin of patients who died during specific periods to contact the hospital if they wished to know whether glands had been retained.
