Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Doherty for facilitating me with a change in the order this evening. I welcome the Minister of State and thank the Cathaoirleach for allowing me to raise this very important matter. The issue of organ retention by Irish hospitals is highly emotive for the families of those involved and of significant national importance.

In 2007, following the review carried out by the HSE on organ retention, the Minister for Health and Children agreed to establish an independent audit of 32 hospitals. This was done in response to the concerns raised by Parents For Justice about the accuracy of the audit performed by the HSE. The independent audit has been undertaken by Michaela Willis, chairperson of Britain's National Committee Relating to Organ Retention and former chairperson of the Bristol Heart-Children Action Group.

Parents and families have confidence and trust in Michaela Willis and the audit she is carrying out. There is, however, growing concern about the delay in the publication of this independent audit, and I would appreciate if the Minister could answer the following three questions because the parents and families would greatly appreciate knowing more about the current situation. Has the Report been completed? Has the HSE or the Department of Health and Children received the final report? When will the full and final Report be published officially?