Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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18. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department has had discussions or correspondence with the Minister for Justice and Equality in view of the eight maternal deaths by medical misadventure since 2007, regarding developing a system whereby automatic inquests would take place in cases of maternal deaths. [27584/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware the issue of inquests into maternal deaths is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality and I understand that the Deputy was advised of the procedures in relation to Coroner's Inquests in a response to a recent Parliamentary Question put to my colleague. My officials have not had any discussions with the Department of Justice and Equality in relation to this matter.

However, the Chief Medical Officer in his report , HSE Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise Perinatal Deaths (2006 -date) published in February 2014 recommended that the Department of Health should engage with the Department of Justice and Equality in respect of the coronial service. This recommendation was made in light of the comments that some of the families affected by events in Portlaoise Hospital made in relation to Coroner's Inquests.

My officials have held a meeting with their counterparts in the Department of Justice to discuss the issues highlighted in the CMO's Report and I understand that a further meeting will take place on the issue.