Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
107. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health the alternative arrangements being developed by the HSE to ensure continuity of coronial post-mortem services for the south-east region from January 2026, given that consultant pathologists at University Hospital Waterford will no longer provide this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1396/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has responsibility for coroners' legislation and policy, and is actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including my Department and the HSE, on this urgent matter.
Since 2 January 2026 coronial post-mortems have been provided by locum consultants recruited by the Department of Justice, using the available facilities and auxiliary staff of University Hospital Waterford.
The Department of Justice has advised my Department that the service will be provided on a three day per week schedule, that is, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
Historically, the Health Service has assisted in the provision of coronial post-mortem services, on a “grace and favour” basis. While Consultant Pathologists are employed by the HSE, coronial post-mortems are carried out independently for the Department of Justice.
Increasingly the “grace and favour” model is not working. Hospitals are withdrawing from the provision of coronial post-mortem examinations.
The reasons for these withdrawals are diverse and complex. They include a shortage of consultant pathologists willing to undertake this work and increasing diagnostic workloads.
My Department and the HSE will continue to engage constructively with the Department of Justice to support a long-term resolution to this issue. All stakeholders remain committed to ensuring the continuity, quality and efficiency of coroner directed post-mortem services.
