John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 440: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she received correspondence dated 15 August 2005 from a person, details supplied, in County Sligo; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25824/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I have received correspondence from the Deputy on behalf of a constituent, relating to the terms of reference of the inquiry into post mortem practice and organ retention and a specific query relating to medical records. On 3 May last, the Government approved the appointment of Dr. Deirdre Madden, BL, a distinguished expert on medical law and ethics, to provide me with a report on post mortem practice and organ retention by 21 December 2005.

In view of the tight timeframe for her work and in order to deliver a comprehensive report by the December deadline, it was decided to concentrate on children born alive and under 12 years of age. Her terms of reference also include inquiring into allegations that pituitary glands were removed from children undergoing post mortem examination for sale to pharmaceutical companies within and outside the State. With regard to the specific questions raised by the person concerning hospital records and Sligo General Hospital, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy.