Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 144: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason no autopsy was carried out on a person (details supplied). [23365/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 145: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the length of time stents that are surgically inserted in the treatment of coronary illnesses are meant to last; if they are meant to be replaced; if so, the time intervals at which they should be replaced; and if patients who have had them inserted are meant to have regular checkups. [23366/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Cardiac stents have provided a major advance in the treatment of coronary artery disease and have led to a reduction in the need for coronary by-pass surgery in certain cases. They are implanted by cardiologists based on careful clinical assessments. Once they are put in place they remain in place and become incorporated into the wall of the blood vessel. Patients with coronary artery disease are monitored regularly and, if clinical circumstances dictate, further stenting may take place. There are no timeframes for replacement as these are dependent on the clinical condition of the patient.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 146: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to the case of a person (details supplied); and if the family will be given the maximum support. [23369/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In February 2004, Frances Sheridan died after being discharged from the Accident and Emergency Department of Cavan General Hospital. Last December an inquest was held into her death, presided over by the acting coroner for County Cavan. Following the hearing of the inquest, the jury returned a verdict of death by natural causes.

In January 2006, solicitors representing the family wrote to the Attorney General requesting that he direct a fresh inquest pursuant to his statutory power under the Coroners Act 1962. In April, the Attorney General, directed that the acting coroner hold a new inquest.

My Department is advised that the second inquest has now been completed, and that on 16 June last a verdict of death by medical misadventure was returned. I would like to again extend my deepest sympathies to the family of the late Frances Sheridan on their sad loss and to assure them that the issue of patient safety is being treated as a top priority by the Executive. We must do everything possible to avoid a repeat of this tragic event.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Health Service Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy in relation to the action it proposes to take arising from this tragedy.