Chronic shortage of pathologists delaying the grieving process
Chronic shortage of pathologists delaying the grieving process - The Labour Party
- Only two part-time pathologists covering coronial work in Limerick, Clare and part of Tipperary
- Govt must progress new Coroners’ Bill to modernise the 1962 Act
Labour TD for Limerick City Conor Sheehan has called on Government to find a long-term solution to the chronic shortage of pathologists nationwide calling for a new model for the service to be agreed and implemented.
Deputy Sheehan said grieving families are facing delays and being forced to wait longer than is necessary to bury their loved ones.
Deputy Sheehan said:
“Autopsies need to be carried out in a timely manner out of respect for bereaved family members. However, there is a severe shortage of pathologists to complete coronial autopsies in the Mid-West region and indeed across the country.
“There are over 700 autopsies carried out annually, yet there are currently only two part-time pathologists covering all coronial work in all of Limerick, Clare and part of Tipperary. This is leading to increased delays to families who are grieving the loss of a loved one, as well as an increased workload for the already overstretched pathologists who carry out this work in other regions.
“This Christmas in Limerick there was no pathology cover between 23 December and 29 December. Anybody who passed away in that period where an autopsy is required was not able to be buried until the autopsy was completed.
“I wrote to the Minister for Health and Minister for Justice in October 2025 about this, and I raised it in the Dáil with the Taoiseach. However, bar acknowledging the challenge, the Taoiseach had no solutions. The Coroners Society met with members of Government and outlined the same issues. Yet no progress has been made on the matter.
“We need Government to urgently progress the new Coroners’ Bill to modernise the 1962 Act. We must move away from the current fragmented system of part-time coroners toward a properly resourced national service.
“I am urging the Government to make a statement on what it is doing to address these gaps in our system. Autopsies should be carried out in a timely manner out of respect for the deceased and their loved ones. The situation as it currently stands is causing unnecessary additional grief and upset for families.”