State Pathologist's Office

The function of the State Pathologist's Office is to provide independent expert advice on matters relating to forensic pathology and to perform post-mortem examinations in those cases where foul play is suspected ('State cases'). This function includes providing post-mortem reports to the relevant coroner in appropriate instances, as well as attendance at coroners' inquests and at any Court proceedings arising out of the Garda investigation into a death. The Office also provides advice to coroners on cases which are not the subject of a criminal investigation but which nevertheless give rise to complex questions of forensic pathology.

There is one full time State Pathologist: Professor Marie Cassidy and two Deputy State Pathologists: Dr. Michael Curtis and Dr. Khalid Jabbar. Assistance on a part-time and regional basis is provided by Dr. Margot Bolster.

The number of State cases dealt with by the State Pathologist's Office in recent years is as follows:

2000: 162

2001: 228

2002: 218

2003: 192

2004: 169

2005: 255

2006: 265

2007: 300

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