Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 713: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 will be supported. [38203/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Coroners Act, 1962, a Coroner is a statutory officer exercising quasi-judicial functions in relation to which he/she is independent and neither I nor my Department has any role in individual cases. However, to be of assistance to the family in question, inquiries have been made. Based on the information provided, it is understood that this case is with the Dublin City Coroner.

I can inform the Deputy that many factors influence the time it takes to establish the cause of someone's death. Post mortem reports can take some time to complete. I understand from the Dublin City Coroner's Office that in their experience it generally takes between 3 and 6 months for a post-mortem report to be received from a pathologist but that this may take longer where further specialist tests are required (e.g. toxicology, histology and microbiology tests).

The family in question can contact the Dublin City Coroner's Office at anytime directly where they will be informed of any developments.