Key witnesses who refuse to give evidence to inquests may soon be fined as much as €2,000 under new legislation being considered by the Minister for Justice
Michael McDowell is expected to bring proposals to Government within the next six weeks on a new Coroner's Act to replace the outdated 1962 Act. Under that legislation, if someone refuses to attend an inquest, they can only be fined €6.35.
Mulrany-based alternative therapist Mineke Kamper (72) refused to attend Monday's inquest in Castlebar into the death of her patient Paul Howie. The 49-year-old man from Ballinrobe, Co Mayo, died of suffocation caused by a cancerous tumour in his throat.
A pathologist told the inquest that the tumour in Mr Howie's throat could have been removed and he could have received treatment to give him a longer and better quality of life.
Mr Howie's widow, Michelle, told the inquest that Ms Kamper had repeatedly told them that if they got other medical treatment, he would die.
She criticised Ms Kamper's failure to attend the inquest. The therapist had also refused to attend an inquest into the death of another patient, Jacqueline Alderslade, in 2001, who died after an asthmatic attack.
The jury returned a verdict of accidental death in that case and recommended that people consult doctors before getting alternative treatments.
Coroner for south Mayo John O'Dwyer presided over both cases and criticised Ms Kamper's failure to attend the inquests.
He said her failure to attend Mr Howie's inquest was frustrating to the court and was an insult to the man's family.
Fine Gael MEP Jim Higgins has expressed his shock at the Howie case, coming so soon after the death of Ms Alderslade, who had worked in his constituency office. She was secretary of the Connacht Asthma Association.
"It's quite obvious that something needs to be done radically in relation to the manner in which this lady [ Ms Kamper] is practising and is being allowed to continue to practise," said Mr Higgins.
Yesterday RTÉ's Liveline programme was inundated with calls from people who had negative experiences with Ms Kamper. The therapist could not be contacted by The Irish Times.
The Irish Society for Homoeopaths stressed that Ms Kamper was not and never had been a member of its organisation.
Susie Duff, spokeswoman for the society, said the group had very rigorous standards and members must undergo a four-year training course and meet other standards before being admitted.
She said the society had regularly called for regulation of the sector as the safety of the public was at risk.
A Department of Health spokesman said a working group, which was established in May 2003 to advise on regulating the alternative health sector, was expected to report some time later this year.
