Ex-deputy state pathologist willing to attend court proceedings

Minister for Justice Alan Shatter has confirmed that former deputy State pathologist Dr Khaled Jaber is willing to attend court proceedings in cases where he has carried out post mortem examinations.

Mr Shatter told the Dáil “has has indicated a willingness to make himself available to court proceedings”.

And his resignation “should not prevent the prosecution of cases where he has carried out medical examinations”, the Minister said.

Mr Shatter added that “if however he is not available the file will be dealt with by another pathologist who will give evidence to the court”.

He highlighted previous circumstances when late State pathologist Dr John Harbison became unwell and said his cases were dealt with by others.

Mr Shatter said “I have no reason at this moment in time to believe that the trials won’t appropriately proceed. Nor have I any reason to believe that Dr Jaber will fail to appear in cases to which he is relevant.

He was responding to Fianna Fail justice spokesman Niall Collins who asked during Justice Question Time in the Dáil, what steps were being taken to address concerns about ongoing legal cases in which Dr Jaber was involved.

Dr Jaber resigned unexpectedly from his position over what he viewed as inadequacies in the qualifications of State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy whom he said did not have certification in forensic pathology.

Mr Shatter said Dr Jaber could be called as a witness to the prosecution and had indicated his willingness to attend court proceedings.

Prof Cassidy is putting the necessary operational procedures in place to take account of the resignation of Dr Jaber. "That is an issue to be considered by Dr Cassidy and the Director of Public Prosecutions and I understand the matter is in hand."

Dr Jaber’s replacement is “actively being sought”.