Calls for public inquiry of removal of brains

The Parents for Justice Campaign has described as "shocking" the revelation that the brains from hundreds of deceased adults were removed and retained by hospitals for research, without the consent of the next of kin.

According to Fergal Bowers of irishhealth.com, brains from suicide victims and people suffering with depression were removed.

Many of the brains are currently in storage at Irish universities for research purposes. In Dublin, St James's Hospital, Beaumont Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital have confirmed that the practice occurred.

Cork University Hospital and University College Hospital Galway have also confirmed to the families involved that it did occur there also.

The revelations have prompted calls for a public inquiry into the matter.