Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 1991

Vol. 409 No. 9

Written Answers. - Post Mortem Examination.

William Cotter

Question:

119 Mr. Cotter asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the reason the remains of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan were detained for post mortem when the relatives came to remove them from Peamount Hospital at the usual time on Thursday, 2 May 1991; if he will further outline the reason a post mortem was carried out against the wishes of the relatives considering that the remains were those of an old woman; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

The reason the remains were detained was that the coroner for County Dublin directed early on Thursday, 2 May that a post mortem be carried out. I have been informed by the hospital that this was originally scheduled for Friday, 3 May but, as the hospital's efforts throughout Thursday to phone three different numbers to advise the family of this failed, the family arrived to collect the remains on Thursday evening. The post mortem was then carried out by special arrangement to facilitate the release of the remains that evening. This resulted in delay to all involved and I have already conveyed my regrets to the family for the inconvenience caused by the hospital's inability to contact them.