The terms of reference for a report on postmortem practices in Irish hospitals and the retention of human organs without relatives' consent were published today by the Tánaiste.
Dr Deirdre Madden, a UCC law lecturer and expert in medical ethics, will examine more than 3,500 pages of documentation gathered by the Dunne Inquiry which was closed down last March.
Tánaiste and Minister for Health Mary Harney
In a statement released today Ms Harney said: "I hope that Dr Madden's analysis . . . will result in a comprehensive report that will help to put closure on the matter for many families and next of kin affected by postmortem practice and organ retention".
She said Dr Madden has already held meetings with a number of groups to date, including Heart Children Ireland, Parents for Justice, The Irish Sudden and Neonatal Death Association and the Faculty of Pathology.
Dr Madden has been asked to complete the report by December 21st. The Cabinet was given legal advice by the Attorney General that the report from the Dunne Inquiry - which the Government closed down at the end of March - could not be published in its current form.
This led to the appointment of Dr Madden to examine the findings and produce a final report for the Government on postmortem policy and practices.
Under the terms of reference, Dr Madden will inquire into policies and practices relating to the removal, retention and disposal of organs from children who have undergone postmortems in the State since 1970.
She will investigate allegations that pituitary glands were removed from children undergoing postmortems for sale to pharmaceutical companies.
Dr Madden will also consider the information given to children's parents in respect of the removal, retention and disposal of tissue and organs and the appropriateness of practices of obtaining consent.
The final points relate to way hospitals responded to concerns raised by bereaved families and also a request for recommendations for legislative and/or policy changes.
