John Browne
Question:95 Mr. Browne (Wexford) asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a death certificate has not issued to a person (details supplied) in County Wexford. [6392/99]
Written Answers. - Death Certificates.
The administration of the registration system is statutorily a matter for An tArd-Chláritheoir, Registrar-General of Births, Deaths and Marriages for the superintendent registrars and registrars who operate under his general direction.
I have had inquiries made with An tArdChlárraitheoir and I understand that a post-mortem examination was carried out in respect of the death, referred to by the Deputy. However I understand that the report of the post-mortem cannot be finalised until the results of tests have been furnished by the histopathology department of Waterford Regional Hospital. When the report of the above-mentioned post-mortem becomes available, the coroner will determine whether or not an inquest is necessary. The registrar must await the decision of the coroner before registering the death.
I appreciate the situation of the family of the deceased but, as I have previously indicated in my reply to a similar question on Wednesday, 24 February, the provision of services in the histopathology department at Waterford Regional Hospital is a matter for the South-Eastern Health Board in the first instance. The health board is committed to the continued development of these services in consultation with my Department and I note that the South-Eastern Health Board recently held interviews for the appointment of a fourth consultant histopathologist for the region and is actively seeking to recruit additional histopathology technicians.