Dr Linda Mulligan

Dr Linda Mulligan was appointed as chief state pathologist in February 2021 after a three-year search, with Ireland facing a “worldwide shortage of forensic pathologists”.

Writing in the OSP’s annual report for 2021, Dr Mulligan notes that the service subsequently succeeded in recruiting two new state pathologists, Dr Heidi Okkers and Dr SallyAnne Collis, as well as two new deputy state pathologists and a new shared facilities manager.

“In short, 2021 brought welcome expansion to ensure a resilient and sustainable national forensic pathology service,” Dr Mulligan wrote.

She added: “Following easing of public health restrictions in 2021, the criminal and coroners courts re-opened. The OSP pathologists experienced a greater demand for court and inquest attendances, the majority of which involved in-person attendance.

“This demand will continue into 2022. It should be mitigated by the support of our new consultants. However, it will most likely require more time spent travelling and decreased consultant availability on occasion.”

Justice minister Helen McEntee said: “I want to commend Dr Linda Mulligan for her leadership since her appointment in early 2021. I welcome the addition of two new state pathologists to the team in 2021 and also the successful completion of a deputy state pathologist competition, which resulted in two deputy state pathologists being appointed in 2022.

“These appointments along with that of a new shared facilities manager are essential in strengthening the office’s capacity to carry out its vital functions. The additional resources will also support the state pathologists in their important role in assisting families on the loss of their loved ones by helping to answer their questions, as well as playing a vital role developing autopsy practice in Ireland.”