Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
965. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Justice if her attention has been drawn to significant delays to coroners' reports brought about by systematic failings; if she is concerned of the impact this has on grieving families; the steps her Department is taking to ensure that this improves; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13111/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoroners are independent office holders whose core function is to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths so that a death certificate can be issued.
I recognise the significance and sensitivity of the inquest process for loved ones of the bereaved, and that delays in holding inquests can cause distress for families of the deceased. A decision to direct a post mortem examination and / or hold an Inquest in to the death of a person, in any particular set of circumstances, rests with the individual coroner. My Department has no role in directing the work of Coroners during their death investigation function.
I am aware of the increasing challenges in securing histopathologists to carry out Coroner directed Post Mortem Examinations. My Department established a Standing Committee on the Provision of Coroner Directed Post-Mortems in 15 September 2022. The Committee is tasked with considering the core issues involved in the provision of a sustainable pathology service to Coroners. The Committee includes representatives from my Department, the Coroners Society, the Office of the State Pathologist, the HSE, and the Royal College of Physicians – Faculty of Pathology, the Department of Health, and the Local Authorities.
As the Deputy may be aware, on 20 October 2023, I launched a wide-ranging consultation to inform the development of proposals for comprehensive reform of the Coroner Service in Ireland, which closed on 19 January 2024.
The consultation provided an opportunity for members of the public, stakeholder groups and members of the Oireachtas to express their views, express observations and provide proposals on how the Coroner Service might be enhanced into the future. One Strand of the Consultation focused on the delivery of the pathology service for Coroner directed Post Mortem Examinations.
I am pleased to say that there was a very high level of public engagement in the consultation process with approximately 250 submissions received across both surveys. Departmental officials are currently analysing the information gathered during the consultation process with a view to publishing a report in due course. Further information on the public consultation is available on the Department’s website.
