Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response. She is correct that the Red C poll shows that only 12% of the population are aware that the cards are to be destroyed. This is a telling statistic which is a reason for the deadline to be extended. The importance of these cards cannot be overestimated. Information supplied by the Irish Heart Foundation today states that the Dutch Parliament is currently reviewing legislation to protect future Guthrie cards. Ten years ago, the Dutch Government ordered the destruction of similar cards, and this decision has been regretted ever since. We do not want to be in the same situation in ten years' time. Measures could be included in the human tissue Bill. I ask the Minister of State to say how the issue will be dealt with on 28 March.

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