Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 6

Written Answers. - Coroner Service.

Charles Flanagan

Question:

131 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the practice that notification for the holding of inquests given to relations of a deceased may in many circumstances be considered unreasonable and too short; if he considers it desirable that a code of practice be set in place to ensure that proper and adequate notice of the inquest is provided for all relatives and witnesses and interested parties in advance of the inquest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15025/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

As the Deputy may be aware, I have no official responsibility concerning the arrangements surrounding the holding of inquests as coroners are independent in the exer cise of their judicial or quasi-judicial functions. However, as the Deputy may also be aware, following receipt last November of the report of the working group on the review of the coroner service, the Government approved the group's proposals for new legislation in this area. In relation to the specific matter raised by the Deputy, the report specifically recommended that a minimum period of adequate notice of an inquest be introduced as part of a new set of coroners' rules to be incorporated in the new legislation. Details of these rules will be finalised by a rules committee which will shortly be established.