Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 244: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding inquiries concerning organ retention, specifically in respect of adults; and the length of time the next of kin of various deceased adults who have had their organs retained will be contacted or informed of the position. [26316/05]

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

On 1 September 2004 the Government, following a review of the timescales for all tribunals and inquiries, decided that the post mortem inquiry should furnish its final report not later than the 31 March 2005 and that the inquiry would then cease to exist. The chairman of the inquiry was so advised and subsequently delivered a report on 31 March 2005. The report dealt primarily with post mortem practice and procedure in paediatric hospitals. However, following consideration, the Attorney General advised the report should not be published for legal and constitutional reasons.

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 who were under 12 years of age. While Dr Madden's report will not deal specifically with adults, it is envisaged that some of her findings will have general application.