As the number of post-mortem examinations carried out by the State Pathology Service continues to rise, it has emerged that new office and laboratory facilities for the service will take two years to complete.
The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, told Ms Nora Owen (FG, Dublin North) that since 1998, the State and Assistant State Pathologist had done 607 post-mortem examinations. The figures increased from 132 in 1998 to 178 so far this year.
In a reply to a written question, Mr O'Donoghue said alternative accommodation arrangements for the service were being considered until the project was completed. However, plans for the new facilities were "at an advanced stage".