§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what use is being made of the stock of tissue, organs, samples or slides held by the Royal Victoria hospital pending instructions from relatives. [85756]
§ Jane KennedyHuman tissue and organs obtained at post-mortem examination and retained by the Royal Victoria Hospital fall into two categories. Material obtained since the year 2000 is being used in accordance with relatives' wishes as expressed in writing at the time of giving consent to the post-mortem examination. All other material is being stored unused, unless relatives have specifically requested that tests, e.g. for cancer genetics, be carried out. This is an interim arrangement until new legislation and associated guidance is put is place.
§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will set up a system of DNA verification to ensure remains from the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, are given to the correct families. [85757]
§ Mr. BrowneDNA testing is a complex, time-consuming and costly procedure. A system for its widespread use on retained organs and tissue at the Royal Victoria Hospital could be justified only if there were a significant problem with the identification of retained material. I am satisfied that no such problem exists.