Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2005
68 Mr. Quinn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the terms of reference of the report she has commissioned from Dr. Deirdre Madden on post-mortem practices in hospitals here and the retention of human organs without the consent of relatives; when the report will be completed; if it is intended to introduce legislation to regulate organ retention and transplants; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20844/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 3 May last, the Government approved the appointment of Dr. Deirdre Madden, BL., to complete a report on post mortem practice and organ retention by 21 December 2005. Dr. Madden has been reading herself into the brief over the last few weeks. I will be meeting her shortly to finalise her terms of reference, which I will then present to Government for approval.
Ireland does not currently have specific legislation governing organ procurement and transplantation. The European Commission is currently considering the question of a directive in respect of organ transplantation, including the issue of consent, and proposes to conduct a thorough scientific evaluation of the situation. It will present a report on its analysis to the Council of the European Union. It is hoped that this will provide the framework for the development of legislation in this area.
In the meantime, the Department will undertake an analysis of the possible legislative needs governing donor procurement and transplantation, with particular reference to the existing legal framework in other jurisdictions.
