Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 1

Written Answers. - Post Mortem Delays.

Rory O'Hanlon

Question:

49 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the public concern at delays in having post mortems performed on behalf of coroners; the length of time from performing a post mortem to the holding of an inquest and the issuing of death certificates following an inquest; the steps, if any, she is taking to eliminate such delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16609/96]

Seamus Kirk

Question:

105 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to the serious difficulties regarding holding post-mortems in County Louth and in the Dundalk area in particular; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16265/96]

Minister for Justice (Mrs. Owen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 105 together.

At the outset, I wish to point out that I do not have a direct function in the matters referred to by the Deputies. The Coroners Act, 1962, provides that coroners are appointed and paid by local authorities and Deputy O'Hanlon will understand that my Department does not, accordingly, have the detailed information requested by him.

As regards problems in holdingpost mortems, two particular instances were brought to my attention; both occurred in the coroner district of County Louth. The first referred to difficulties which arose at the end of July in relation to the availability of pathology services, for which, of course, I am not responsible. However, as indicated in my reply to Questions Nos. 45 and 72 on today's Order Paper, it is proposed to involve representatives from the Department of Health in the study group examining the future responsibilities of coroners and the provision of services to coroners will arise in this context.

The second instance referred to difficulties which arose during last August in relation to the resignations of the Louth coroner and the deputy coroner on 7 and 28 August, respectively. While, as I have already pointed out, the appointment and replacement of coroners is a matter for the local authority, my Department provided as much assistance as possible in resolving the difficulty caused by the vacancies at that time. I understand that the temporary coroner, who was appointed by Louth County Council on 29 August 1996, is not experiencing any difficulties in the holding ofpost mortems.