Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)

I am very glad to support this Bill and warmly congratulate the Labour Party on its introduction, which is not before time. In my area there have been two cases where the coroner was totally and utterly helpless, being unable to do anything owing to the non-attendance of a common killer responsible for the deaths of two Mayo people who should not have died. Whatever the justice achieved by the family of the first person, the second did not deserve to die either. That person would not have died if the coroner had been able to summon this witness and act appropriately. The case to which I refer is that of Jackie Alderslade, a woman in her 50s who died tragically on the side of the road — a mere stone's throw from alternative therapist Minike Kamper's place of practice — or killing, as I would say. The lady concerned was trying to get to her because she had such faith in her. Were it not for the diary she kept the extent of the negligence, arrogance and what people will do for whatever reason would never have been known. The lady concerned who was an asthmatic was persuaded by the woman in question to stop taking her essential steroid medication. As a result, she choked to death on the side of the road trying to get to the person she thought would help her. A working group has been trying to sort out the matter since 2003 but it has still not addressed the question of licensing and regulating alternative practitioners. The second case involves Paul Howie who had a tumour in his neck which caused him to choke to death. He should not have died either. When the inquest into the death of the first poor lady mentioned opened, Mineke Kamper was summoned but did not appear. The coroner said he could do nothing about it.

I warmly welcome the Bill and the fact that the Minister will support it.

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