A verdict on the death of a 25-year-old man who died by suicide at the Cliffs of Moher after he left an acute mental health unit at University Hospital Galway four years ago, has been adjourned for ten weeks.
Jamie Costello from Corundulla, Co Galway, was a voluntary patient at the mental health unit at UHG, where a care plan was in place for him which stipulated that he was not permitted to leave the unit unless accompanied by either of his parents, or by an occupational therapist.
Mr Costello left the unit unaccompanied on 30 September 2019 for a number of hours, and again the next day on 1 October where he travelled to the Cliffs of Moher in Co Clare.
His body was taken from the water later that day by the Doolin coast guard.
His parents Dr Alan and Denise Costello subsequently pursued High Court proceedings to get answers about the care their son received, and for the release of an independent report into the incident.
They also received an apology from the Health Service Executive.
An adjourned inquest hearing today in Ennis was told the parents were very anxious that Coroner Isobel O'Dea have sight of this report before she comes to her verdict on Jamie’s death.
Solicitor Damien Tansey, acting for the Costello family, said they believed the inquest was utterly inadequate in its scope, given that the deceased man had been in State care prior to his death, and he made an application for a new inquest, or de novo inquest, to be conducted by a different coroner..
He said the family believed the circumstances of their son’s death met the criteria for a wider inquiry under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Following consultations, it was agreed that the family and the State Claims Agency, which are the parties to the inquest proceedings, would make written submissions to the coroner over the next ten weeks, and the matter was adjourned to 28 November when the next Co Clare list of inquests are due to be held at Kilrush court house.
