Michael Ring
Question:291 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when the position of coroner in north Mayo will be filled. [17088/03]
Written Answers. - Coroners' Service.
The recent report of the working group reviewing the coroners' service recommended the rationalisation of the number of cor oners and the establishment of a regional coroner's structure rather than the present county-subcounty structure. The report also recommended that the rationalisation of coroners numbers be achieved by not filling coroner vacancies as they arise.
In this regard vacancies are not being filled pending a decision on the recommendations in the report on the basis that if these vacancies were filled it would jeopardise any rationalisation of the service. The existence of a vacancy does not mean the public are deprived of service. In such cases the deputy coroner fulfils all of the duties of the coroner, albeit in an acting capacity.