Vol. 541 No. 2
139 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made to date in the implementation of the review of the coroner's service; if his attention has been drawn to the concern expressed by some coroners that delays in holding inquests are adding to the distress of families; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22022/01]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 16359/01 on Wednesday, 3 October 2001 where I indicated that the rules committee recommended by the working group on the review of the coroner service will be established shortly. This is the first step in implementing the legislative framework recommended by the group.
On the question of delays in holding inquests, the Deputy will be aware that I have no responsibility for the holding or scheduling of inquests as coroners are independent in the exercise of their quasi-judicial functions. While other factors may be involved I am confident that the proposed overhaul of coroner rules of procedure will assist in streamlining the overall process of holding inquests.
