The Minister for Health has urged that any new information individuals may have on any aspect of post-mortem policies or procedures be submitted to the Dunne inquiry on organ retention.
In a statement this evening, the Department of Health said it has set up a national helpline to answer questions from those affected by the organ retention issue, but has warned that the availability of information may be dependent on the availability of hospital records.
However, the statement adds little to information already in the public domain in relation to the organ retention issue.
The statement said that "all hospitals and other agencies in the State involved in post mortem practice have been communicating with the inquiry".
"Thus far two pharmaceutical firms have confirmed that recent information in the public arena has already been submitted to the inquiry. Those involved in the removal of pituitary glands should have submitted all relevant information to the Inquiry as part of their overall submission."
It added that the issues involved in post-mortem are "complex" and that the Dunne inquiry chairman had noted in her interim report in 2002 that she had already considered in excess of 150,000 pages of documentation.
"The Minister expects to have a full report on paediatric hospitals by the end of this year."
The statement reiterated the terms of reference of the Dunne inquiry, which was set up in 2000 to review post-mortem examination policy, practice and procedure in the State since 1970, particularly as it relates to organ removal, retention, storage and disposal.
"Since its establishment the inquiry has collected and continues to collect a huge volume of information on post mortem practice in the State since 1970," the statement said.
"The Department of Health and Children is very conscious of the need by many people to have the fullest possible information on post mortem issues. It also appreciates that these matters cause very considerable distress to individuals and families involved and would like to express sympathy with all those concerned."
It added: "The Department became aware of issues relating to post mortem practice in May 1999 through contact made by a hospital to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer about issues relating to pathology and post mortem practice in that hospital. Following this there was a series of meetings with Parents for Justice, and consultation with other bodies, which led to the establishment of the Dunne Post Mortem Inquiry.
"In parallel with this national protocols on practices and procedures, which include informed consent, were developed to cover the issue of consent by hospitals. The practice of removing organs without consent no longer takes place.
"The specific issue of pituitary glands being used in the manufacture of growth hormone products emerged in February 2000, when a pharmaceutical company issued a press statement on the matter."
The statement said the health boards and hospitals are "most anxious" to make as much information available as possible.
Any individual or family requiring further information should ring the helpline at 1800 8870056. It will be open from Monday at 9 a.m.
The Dunne inquiry address is 3rd Floor, 2/3 Parnell Square East, Dublin 1. Telephone: 01-8870042, fax 01-8870056.