Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate that the response outlined by the Minister of State on behalf of the Minister, Deputy McEntee, outlines that three additional staff will be provided to the Coroner Service. That is welcome. It will help to deal with the delay. The response references the pandemic and the impact of it. While we lost many people during that time, this issue only arise this February, March and now into April. We came through the pandemic without those delays, but they are arising now. I believe this is connected to the closure of the mortuary at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown and the overall pressure on the Coroner Service. I appreciate the Minister would have to investigate those matters, but regardless of that we need to look at what contingencies and provisions are in the service to allow for an increase in demand. Whatever else may happen at the Coroner Service, where I know huge work is done, a delay for families of the order of two to two and half weeks is unacceptable.

I will not delay the House any further. I appreciate the response provided to me by the Minister of State and the commitment that the Government has made to improve the service. I ask that it would continue to address this matter, including the provisions for contingency which I have outlined.

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