Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister fully understands the motivation behind this amendment and the concerns of Senators Norris, Barrett and others arising from the recent Bodies exhibition in Dublin. However, the Department of Health is preparing legislative proposals for a human tissue Bill which will provide for the regulation of the public display of bodies or body parts. It is envisaged that the proposals would include a licensing system for the public display of human bodies or body parts. Persons wishing to import bodies or body parts for public display will be required to have documentary evidence of their origin, evidence of consent from the donor for the proposed use and evidence of compliance with the legal requirements of the country of origin of the bodies or body parts. These legislative proposals are expected to be brought to the Government for approval later this year. In the circumstances, I am sure Senators Norris and Barrett will understand that this is not a matter relevant to the remit of the Minister for Justice and Equality. Perhaps the Senators will consider withdrawing this amendment.