Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
312. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if post mortems have been suspended during the Covid-19 crisis; if so, the date on which post mortems ceased; when they will recommence; if persons can request a post mortem to be carried out on a family member who has been buried; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11147/20]
View answerPost-mortem examinations have not been suspended during the Covid-19 crisis. There are guidelines regarding post-mortem practice on the both the Coroners Service and the Faculty of Pathology (RCPI)’s websites – www.coroners.ie and www.rcpi.ie.
As Covid-19 deaths are natural deaths, they do not require an autopsy. In most cases, a post mortem examination will not be required unless other circumstances are present and the law mandates an autopsy to be directed by the Coroner.
