Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I fully acknowledge that. It is very important that the Senator has highlighted and raised this issue.It is a sensitive and important matter which requires constant focus and attention. He is right that for this process to work seamlessly and efficiently requires all parts of the pipeline to work effectively. This is not in any way a criticism of the health service or hospitals. As the Senator highlighted, it may well be down to a lack of pathologists. However, the issue of hospitals withdrawing provision of pathology services has increased the challenges in terms of the pipeline working efficiently from examination to inquest. We are acutely aware of the impact delays in conducting post mortems can have on bereaved people and the team in the DDM engages with families of loved ones daily. They are at the front line talking to people in real time and trying to work through these situations in what can be quite a difficult environment. Officials in my Department will continue to do everything possible to ensure post mortems are performed in the Dublin district mortuary in as timely a matter as possible. I will continue to keep Senator Ward updated.