I propose to take Questions Nos. 393, 394, 395 and 399 together.
As I informed the Deputy in my reply to Questions Nos. 431 and 438 on Tuesday, 25 February 2003, the circumstances in which this person died were investigated by the Garda Síochána and the State pathologist. All statements relating to this investigation were forwarded to the coroner. At the subsequent hearing, at which 34 witnesses gave evidence, the jury returned a unanimous open verdict stating that the person in question died on 30 October 2001. In accordance with the provisions of the Coroners Act 1962 a coroner is a statutory officer exercising judicial, or quasi-judicial, functions, in relation to which he or she is independent. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the conduct of, or the verdict in, this case.