Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

As stated previously, the Minister, Deputy McEntee, has no role in the timing and conduct of post-mortem examinations. The direction of post-mortem examinations is solely a matter for the coroner concerned. However, the Department of Justice has appointed three coroners to the Dublin district to actively support the Coroner Service in carrying out its statutory functions. This should have a positive impact. According to the statutory annual returns, as required under section 55 of the Coroner Act, as amended, there were just over 2,400 post-mortem examinations carried out at the request of the Dublin Coroner's Office in 2021. It is understood that the Dublin District Coroner and her team are currently working to facilitate inquests, to work through the backlogs and, thereby, to provide closure for those bereaved.

I hope this provides some clarity to the Deputy. As I said, it is critically important that we address this issue. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, will take on board the concerns raised by the Deputy this evening.

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