Written answers

Tuesday, 23 November 2004

Department of Health and Children

Legislative Programme

10:00 pm

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 197: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she can give information relating to the introduction of a new human tissue Act that was promised as far back as 2000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30185/04]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An EU directive on standards of quality and safety of human tissues and cells was adopted on 31 March 2004. The directive sets minimum standards on the donation, procurement, testing, processing, storage and distribution of human tissues and cells for human applications. The directive must be transposed in member states by 6 April 2006. Transposition will give Ireland a framework on which to build the legislative base for all such activities. Work has commenced on the drafting of legislation to transpose the directive and identifying the other steps to be taken to ensure compliance with it.

The European Commission is considering the question of a directive on organ transplantation, including the issue of consent, and proposes to conduct a thorough scientific evaluation of the situation. It will present a report on its analysis to the Council of the European Union as soon as possible. It is hoped that this will provide the framework for the development of legislation in this area. In the meantime, it is intended to establish an expert group to review organ donation, procurement and utilisation policy in Ireland. The work of the group will inform Ireland's contribution to the discussions on the proposed directive on organs.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.