6. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health the alternative arrangements being developed by the HSE to ensure continuity of coronial post mortem services for the south-east region from January 2026, given that consultant pathologists at UHW will no longer provide this service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5311/26]

Sentiment score: 0.04

I ask the Minister for an update on the provision of post mortem services at Waterford University Hospital following the decision by HSE pathologists operating as independent contractors for the Department of justice to withdraw from the service from 1 January.

Sentiment score: 0.53

As the Minister says, this is ultimately the responsibility of the Department of justice under the Coroners Act. I thank the Minister for her engagement with me over the last six months. As she knows, behind every post mortem is a family in deep distress and shock. Often, these post mortems are the result of a sudden, accidental or tragic death. I welcome these interim arrangements. It is not ideal. It is my understanding that these locum pathologists are coming in from the UK three days a week. I know that members of the clergy have spoken publicly on behalf of families. Delays are already occurring. There is a panel of three locum pathologists, but could we look at increasing that number to four or five? Flights can be delayed or cancelled, somebody can have a bereavement or somebody can be sick. I ask the Minister to continue to engage with the Minister for justice. Let us keep this arrangement under review so that families can have post mortems in the timely manner they deserve.

Sentiment score: -0.02

I agree and I acknowledge that our HSE pathologists have been doing this work as independent contractors. However, these pathologists are primarily concerned and occupied by diagnostic, surgical pathology work, for example, in cancer diagnosis. Therefore, for obvious reasons, they are withdrawing as independent contractors. Between 3,000 to 4,000 coronial post mortems are carried out annually in the country at various locations, namely, Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Galway and Waterford. Is there merit in looking at this more closely in terms of some kind of a strategic plan and a national strategy for the next ten years? The real concern, certainly across the south east, is that we will become like the UK whereby there are delays of weeks and weeks. Will the Minister keep that under consideration?

Sentiment score: 0.10