Call for Inquiry into Body Part Retention
16 May 2012
TUV leader Jim Allister has tabled a series of written questions to Justice Minister David Ford about the retention of body parts by the police.
Commenting Mr Allister said:
“I have today asked the Justice Minister what form of inquiry he intends to establish to deal with the issues arising from the retention of body parts by the police.
“This is an extremely serious issue and one which will doubtless have caused considerable distress to the families affected. Their suffering is magnified by the fact that the issue was kept secret for so long and it is now vital that it is dealt with in a fashion which can maximise public confidence.
“I look forward to a speedy response from the Minister.”
Note to editors
Mr Allister tabled the following written questions today:
To ask the Minister of Justice what form of inquiry does the Minister intend to establish to deal with the multiple issues arising from the current 'body parts' controversy.
To ask the Minister of Justice in respect of the current 'body parts' issue a) was all tissue retained for prospective police investigative purposes, as opposed to retention for medical research purposes; and b) did such retention lead to any success in terms of police investigations.
To ask the Minister of Justice in respect of the current 'body parts' controversy why has there been excessive delay since 2005 in auditing the parts held and in informing affected relatives.
To ask the Minister of Justice to clarify what has become of body parts acquired in Northern Ireland before the implementation of the Human Tissue Act 2004.
To ask the Minister of Justice if any body parts continue to be held in Northern Ireland pursuant to Section 9 of the Human Tissue Act 2004.
