asked the Minister for Health if he will state the cause of delay in issuing the findings of the sworn inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of the late Denis O'Donovan, Castlecar, Kanturk, County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Findings of County Cork Sworn Inquiry.
The inquiry in question commenced on 6th November, 1957, and occupied 11 days, ending on 22nd November, 1957. The first part of the inquiry related to the circumstances of the death of the late Denis O'Donovan, as stated in the question and the second part related to more general matters concerning the conduct of the county surgeon and the manner in which he complied with the conditions of his appointment.
The report on the first part of the inquiry was received in my Department on 5th June and the report on the second part of the inquiry was received on 19th August. The delay in furnishing the report was caused by difficulties which were experienced in connection with the transcribing of the evidence and was in no way the responsibility of the inspector who held the inquiry.
As will be appreciated, the mass of evidence produced at 11 days of inquiry is extremely voluminous and, having regard to the importance of the issues involved to the individual mainly concerned and to the service generally, proper examination requires, en the part of every person undertaking it, the setting aside of a considerable amount of time.
The findings will be issued as soon as possible.