Delays in issuing Mayo death certificates to be addressed by coroner

Steps to address a backlog of inquests in order to facilitate the issuing of death certificates to next of kin have been announced by Coroner Pat O’Connor, coroner for what is known as the Coronial District of Mayo.

The measure revealed by Coroner O’Connor involves the opening of inquests into a number of deaths – 14 in total which occurred in 2021 – and their adjournment following the hearing of a pathologist’s evidence to explain the medical cause of death.

Proceedings will then be adjourned to a later date in order to hear the fuller evidence into the circumstances of the deaths.

Coroner O’Connor is one of 33 coroners located in 39 districts throughout Ireland who have been appointed to enquire into the circumstances of a sudden, unexplained, violent or unnatural death so that a death certificate can be issued.

In Co. Mayo there are two coroners, one for the district of Mayo (Pat O’Connor) and the other, Dr. Eleanor Fitzgerald, for the district of north Mayo.

Coroner O’Connor explained that a delay in issuing death certificates and autopsy reports are a concern for next of kin and bereaved relatives and the subject of enquiries to his office.

“It would be an ease for most families if they were in receipt of death certificates and autopsy reports earlier,” Mr. O’Connor explained.

There is not a huge backlog outstanding, he outlined - 14 in total for 2021.

The opening of inquest hearings will not proceed until the pathologists’ reports are available, the coroner stressed.