Last week, “RTÉ Investigates” aired a heart-breaking programme on organ retention for the second time this year. I spoke to a number of families who took part in that programme. One such parent, Paula, from Cavan, lost her son, Tadhg. Some 17 months after she buried her son, she received a cold call from the HSE to say that the child’s organs were still being retained against and without her knowledge. It is devastating.

I spoke to other parents as well. She asked me to ask the Minister directly whether he can give me and those families a clear, straight answer on when we will see the human tissues Bill. It was promised 15 years ago and we still have not seen. Enough is enough and I am sure the Minister has to agree with that. I know this is something that was a scandal in the Minister’s own constituency in Cork as well and he has met parents. When will this Bill once and for all be published and passed through this House?

I also express my sympathies to the families involved, who have experienced a heart-breaking tragedy. I want to be very clear about this. This extremely distressing situation should not have happened. To answer the Deputy’s question on the human tissue Bill directly, there is very extensive work going on now between the Office of the Attorney General, my Department and the Department of Justice to bring this into the House as quickly as possible for all of the reasons we understand.