David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Last week, “RTÉ Investigates” aired a heart-breaking programme on organ retention for the second time this year. I spoke to a number of families who took part in that programme. One such parent, Paula, from Cavan, lost her son, Tadhg. Some 17 months after she buried her son, she received a cold call from the HSE to say that the child’s organs were still being retained against and without her knowledge. It is devastating.

I spoke to other parents as well. She asked me to ask the Minister directly whether he can give me and those families a clear, straight answer on when we will see the human tissues Bill. It was promised 15 years ago and we still have not seen. Enough is enough and I am sure the Minister has to agree with that. I know this is something that was a scandal in the Minister’s own constituency in Cork as well and he has met parents. When will this Bill once and for all be published and passed through this House?

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