Health information and human tissue Bills
Michael McNamara asks when promised health information and human tissue legislation will be progressed, highlighting cystic fibrosis research and organ donation. The Taoiseach has no publication dates but cites improvements in cystic-fibrosis isolation facilities and promises further advice.
As the Taoiseach may know, we have a disproportionately high level of cystic fibrosis in this country and everyone in this House or the wider society would know a family affected by cystic fibrosis. In the first half of 2012, the then Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, promised a health information Bill that would allow and regulate research into this and other diseases. He also promised a human tissue Bill that would govern organ donation, and that is clearly crucial to the treatment of cystic fibrosis. Again, we have not yet seen that Bill. When will those Bills be progressed?
Comment on this
I am sorry but I do not have a date for either of those Bills. I can advise the Deputy on the work that has been completed. I am pleased to say that in recent years, with all the difficulties, there has been a deal of progress made with isolation units for people suffering from cystic fibrosis, which is to be welcomed.
Comment on this
Much of that has been provided by charities.