Hospitals removed and kept hundreds of brains from deceased adults for reasearch purposes, it was reported this morning.
irishhealth.comsays in some cases, the brains from suicide victims and those who suffered from depression were used.
A number of hospitals have confirmed to families that the practice of removing brains at post mortem occurred. They are: St James's Hospital Dublin, Beaumont Hospital Dublin, St Vincent's Dublin, University College Hospital Galway and Cork University Hospital.
However, the practice is understood to have been more widespread, irishhealth.comsays.
"This is another shocking dimension to the controversy over retained child organs", Ms Fionnuala O'Reilly, of Parents for Justice said.
"There has to be an acknowledgement from the Health Minister that a public inquiry is now needed".