Vol. 483 No. 6
81 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform whether he will confirm that the recently appointed deputy state pathologist will be based in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21224/97]
I wish to inform the Deputy that the recently appointed deputy state pathologist will be based in Dublin. This is a condition of the appointment as advertised.
I understand that this decision was made in view of the fact that in excess of 50 per cent of suspicious deaths occur in the eastern part of the country and therefore, the basing of the state pathologist or the deputy elsewhere could not be justified. There was also the consideration that there are pathologists available locally in other areas of the country in the event of the state pathologists not being available.
In addition, expensive laboratory facilities are being provided in Beaumont Hospital for the state pathology service. The duplication of such facilities outside Dublin would not be warranted.
I am reviewing the position in regard to other arrangements for the rest of the country and the situation in regard to occasional delays in dealing with victims.
