I propose to take Questions Nos. 810 and 814 together.
My Department and the HSE continue to engage constructively with the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Justice to support a resolution to issue around the provision of coronial post-mortem services in the Southeast.
I understand that the Department of Justice, which has responsibility for coroners' legislation and policy, is actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including my Department and the HSE, to discuss these urgent issues and will inform of any changes to arrangements as appropriate.
While Consultant Pathologists are employed by the HSE, coronial post-mortems are carried out independently for the Department of Justice.
In November 2024, University Hospital Waterford (UHW) informed the Department of Justice that it would cease providing these services from January 2026, as it can no longer guarantee service continuity to coroners.
A recent meeting to discuss this matter took place on 12 November 2025 between the management and consultants at UHW and the Department of Justice which was attended by officials from my Department and the HSE.
It continues to be the case that consented (i.e. non-coronial) post-mortem examinations will continue to be provided for the Health Service by pathologists at UHW. Also, UHW's mortuary facilities and supporting staff will continue to be available to support coronial post-mortem services.
The Department of Justice, supported by my Department and the HSE, seeks to put in place appropriate arrangements to ensure that coronial post-mortem services remain available. All stakeholders remain committed to ensuring the continuity, quality and efficiency of coroner directed post-mortem services
