Brian O'Shea
Question:86 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a death certificate did not issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15723/00]
Written Answers. - Post-Mortem Examinations.
Brian O'Shea
Question:87 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason neither the garda nor the coroners were informed of the sudden death of a person (details supplied) from County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15724/00]
Brian O'Shea
Question:88 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason information relating to the organs removed from the body of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford was only released to the person's mother on an incremental basis after she had contact the hospital in December 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15725/00]
Brian O'Shea
Question:89 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason organs were removed from the body of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford after the parents had refused permission for an autopsy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15726/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 86 to 89, inclusive, together.
Section 18(4) of the Coroners Act, 1962, provides inter alia, that “every medical practitioner who has reason to believe that the deceased person died, whether directly or indirectly from any reason other than natural illness or disease for which he had been seen and treated by a registered medical practitioner within one month before his death, or in such circumstances as may require investigation, including death as the result of the administration of an anaesthetic, shall immediately notify the Coroner within whose district the body is of the fact and circumstances relating to the death”.
As the Deputy will be aware I announced on 9 February 2000 my intention to hold an inquiry to review all post mortem examination policy, practice and procedure in the State since 1970. It is my opinion that the facts of this case, and any similar cases, would fall within the terms of reference of the inquiry which I recently announced. Consequently, I do not consider it appropriate to make any further comment on individual cases at this stage. I trust the Deputy will appreciate the view that the independence of the Inquiry is of critical importance and must be respected as such.
However, it is my view that any parent seeking information in relation to post mortem examinations performed on their child is entitled to obtain such information as soon as possible and in a manner which is sensitive, comprehensive and which meets their needs. The Eastern Regional Health Authority are pursuing this matter with the hospital management to ensure that a comprehensive answer on the matters raised by the Deputy is provided to the family in question.
The Deputy may also wish to note that I am informed that the death certificate for the child referred to is now available.
Again I would like to express my sympathies to the parents concerned and I am sorry for the additional trauma and renewed grief which they are experiencing.