Harney confirms plan to shut down organ retention inquiry

Minister for Health Mary Harney has confirmed that she plans to shut down the Dunne Inquiry into the retention of children's organs by Irish hospitals.

Ms Harney told the Dáil today that the inquiry would be wound down at the end of next month, regardless of whether it had drawn up a report by then.

She said an individual or a team would be appointed to examine all the facts garnered so far in the event that the tribunal did not produce a final report by March 31.

The Dunne Inquiry was set up to examine the retention of children's organs following post mortem examinations at Irish hospitals and any links that pharmaceutical companies had to the practice.

The tribunal has failed to produce any reports into the matter, despite costing €20m so far.