The Minister for Health says a temporary refrigeration unit will be place at the Mortuary in University Hospital Waterford on Friday.

This will increase capacity from six to 13.

Simon Harris told Waterford Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane that he has been in contact with hospital management informing them that the capital project for a new mortuary building has been given the go ahead with work set to commence in the final quarter of this year.

He also gave his backing to the Oireachteas Health Committee which is to hold a seperate hearing on the claims from four consultant pathologists who have raised serious issues about the Mortuary.

They said decomposing bodies have to be stored on trolleys in corridors at times due to a lack of space.

David Cullinane asked for the hearing to take place in light of the claims and the decision by the Department of Justice to hold State forensic autopsies in alternative facilities for the time being.

Speaking this morning, Deputy Cullinane said:

“Today, I asked the Health Committee to consider a series of public hearings into the serious and profound issues that have been raised in relation to Waterford mortuary.

“I am happy to say that the Committee agreed and will schedule them in due course.

“It will hear from representatives from the South-South West hospital group, the four pathologists who initially raised the issue, as well as other relevant witnesses.

“We need to know exactly what has been going on with the mortuary, and why it has been left in a significant state of underinvestment for so long.

“The news that the State Pathologist has directed the Garda Síochána to avoid using the mortuary simply adds to the need for answers.

“It is unfortunate that the Taoiseach took it upon himself last week to dismiss public – and official – concerns.

“Hopefully the Minister for Health, his Department, the HSE, and the hospital group will take a more positive and proactive approach when the hearings begin.

“I look forward to putting questions to them and getting to the bottom of this matter.” ENDS