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03 Mar 2026
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03 Mar 2026
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Labour TD Conor Sheehan is calling for action from the Government
THERE are only two part-time pathologists covering the Mid-West and this is delaying the grieving process for loved ones.
This is according to Labour TD Conor Sheehan who said that the service needs to be properly resourced nationally.
He said that the Coroners' Bill must be progressed to modernise the 1962 Act.
Deputy Sheehan said: “Autopsies need to be carried out in a timely manner out of respect for bereaved family members.”
He stressed that there are more than 700 autopsies carried out every year and currently only two part-time pathologists covering all of Limerick, Clare and north 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,” Deputy Sheehan said.
READ ALSO: Limerick industrial school survivor and others gets official apology from the Taoiseach
The Labour deputy whip said that over Christmas, there was no pathology cover between December 23 and December 29 leaving families with a very long wait for a funeral.
Deputy Sheehan raised the issue with the Minister for Health, Minister for Justice and in the Dáil with the Taoiseach. The Coroner's Society has also raised the issue with Government.
“This situation as it currently stands is causing unnecessary additional grief and upset for families,” Deputy Sheehan said.
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