Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 February 2013
774. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made on the Human Tissue Bill which has been in preparation by his Department since 2009; when will it be brought before Dáil Éireann; what is contained in the proposed Bill with respect to the presumed consent versus expressed consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5190/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Heads of a human tissue Bill which will meet the key recommendation of the Madden Report on Post Mortem Practice and Procedures that no hospital post-mortem may be carried out and no tissue retained without consent/authorisation are at an advanced stage of drafting.
The Deputy will also be aware that the Programme for Government envisages the introduction of an opt-out system of organ donation, with a view to improving the availability of organs for patients in need of transplantation. This will of course require detailed consideration and further consultation and I am developing proposals for Government on this matter.
