James Leonard
Question:21 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Justice whether she proposes to review the Coroners Act. [20274/96]
Written Answers. - Coroners Act Review.
While I have legislative responsibility for the 1962 Coroners Act, Deputies will be aware that other Departments are involved in the operation of the coroner service. For example, coroners are appointed by the relevant local authority following selection by the Local Appointments Commission and I must consult the Minister for the Environment on the fixing of coroners' salaries. Coroners also use hospital pathology services for carrying out post mortems.
I am aware of the need to take an overall look at the coroner service and the demands placed on it by a rapidly changing society. In that regard, I have agreed, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for Environment, that a study group should be set up which will have the task of examining a range of issues relating to the coroner service. The group will include representatives of the Departments of Finance, Justice, Environment and Health. I should mention, however, that the precise terms of reference of this study group have yet to be finalised. However I anticipate that the review will focus on a broad range of issues which will include consideration of the relevant legislative environment underlying the coroner service, as framed in the 1962 Act, and under which coroners have been operating up to now.