Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

453. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if she is aware of the significant delays in the completion of toxicological analyses for coronial autopsies due to understaffing and lack of resources at the State laboratory in Celbridge, County Kildare; the details on plans to increase the number of pathologists available to complete coronial autopsies, particularly in the regions of Limerick, Clare, and north Tipperary (details supplied); the steps being taken to address these delays and understaffing and lack of resources at the State Laboratory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41457/24]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy may be aware, coroners are independent office holders and neither I, nor my Department has any role in directing the work of coroners during the death investigation function.

I can further advise the Deputy the State Laboratory is under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform.

To be of assistance, I have had enquiries made and am informed that there has been a large increase in the number of samples from post-mortem examinations received by the State Laboratory for analysis since 2020, leading to an increase in the turn-around-times from 93 days prior to 2020 to 160 days. A significant redesign project with respect to the toxicological service offered by the State Laboratory commenced in February 2023 to facilitate the continued growth in service requirements. The aim of this redesign was to return the turnaround times to their original targets.

I am informed that in 2023, sanction was received from DPENDR for an additional 10 staff to support this service, and the new staff joined the State Laboratory between September 2023 and April 2024. A substantial training period was initiated, to upskill the new staff. The next phase of this process was the implementation of the new service and sectional models. This implementation phase commenced in May 2024.

I am further informed that there are now three distinct Sections within the State Laboratory solely focused on providing this service, which is an increase on the one Section that provided this service previously. As this is a complex technical area, a considerable amount of time has been dedicated to training and developing the new staff in order for them to be able assist in improving the sample throughput. Turn-around-times are expected to reduce during 2025.

Coroners will endeavour to have post-mortem examinations completed as soon as is possible and practicable to ensure timely release of remains to the next of kin of the deceased. Depending on the circumstances of the death, a post-mortem examination will be carried out by a pathologist or, in forensic cases, by the Office of the State Pathologist.

My Department is aware that delays can arise in Coroners receiving post-mortem reports, toxicology or other test results. The Department established a Standing Committee on Coroner Directed PMEs in 2022, which is tasked with considering the core issues involved in the provision of a sustainable pathology service to Coroners. It includes the HSE, the Office of the State Pathologist, Coroners Society of Ireland, Royal College of Physicians Faculty of Pathology and a Local Authority. The committee has met quarterly since its inception.