Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 447: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the actions proposed in respect of the Madden report; the contacts with Parents for Justice in the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2266/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Madden report on post mortem practice and procedures, which was published on 18 January 2005, contains 50 recommendations. My Department's officials will examine the recommendations in consultation with relevant bodies, especially the National Hospitals Office of the Health Service Executive and draw up an implementation plan.

The report recommended that while a number of recommendations related to other post mortems, namely, those carried out on babies who have died before or during birth, minors and adults, a working group should be established to ensure that there is appropriate adaptation of legislation, policy and procedures concerning the distinct legal and ethical issues that were not within Dr. Madden's terms of reference. I am considering the membership of this working group and will announce its establishment very shortly.

Parents for Justice was given a copy of the report in advance of its publication and was provided with another 1,000 copies which it requested last week.