Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 February 2012
72Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he is satisfied with the current practice by coroners in relation to the reporting of suicide; if there is a need for a review of our coroner’s service; his plans to review the legislation governing the practice of coroners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6510/12]
View answerUnder the Coroners Act 1962, a coroner is an independent officeholder with responsibility under law for the medico-legal investigations of the circumstances of sudden, unexplained, violent and unnatural deaths. Regrettably, there is an increasing number of cases in society that involve suicide and fall to be investigated by coroners. In the conduct of that investigation I am mindful that coroners bear a heavy duty in reaching the verdict of suicide. However, a coroner must be sure as to the cause of death. He or she cannot rush to a judgment, even though on first consideration the conclusion of suicide may be very much apparent. In that regard, I am satisfied that appropriate verdicts in relation to suicide are being recorded.
Coroners must ensure a proper public investigation is seen to take place in order to reassure the public as to the cause of death in all cases of reportable death. I am aware that it is the practice of coroners to be especially sensitive in so far as possible to the needs of families in the handling of all inquests, particularly so where suicide may be in question. I am aware of the hurt and trauma involved for family members and relatives in all tragic deaths but perhaps especially so in regard to suicide.
In regard to suicide, preventive measures and interventions can assist a person in distress from taking that very final step. In that regard, I pay tribute to the Deputy's work on behalf of Pieta House.
The Coroners Bill 2007 is before the Seanad, having been restored to the Order Paper on my initiative. The Bill is in the course of being reviewed in my Department with a view, among other matters, to making it as cost-effective as possible. As published, it provides for the comprehensive reform of existing legislative structures relating to coroners and the establishment of a new Coroner Service. It incorporates many of the recommendations made by the coroners review group in 2000 and the coroners rules committee in 2003 and aims to fulfil various obligations placed on the State by the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly the Article 2 requirement in relation to the investigation of deaths of persons involving the State. The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 provides for some early reforms in coronial matters, including an amalgamation of the Dublin county and city coronial districts. It is my hope to progress the Coroners Bill before the end of the year.
I thank the Minister for his kind comments. I am pleased that there is greater debate across the floor of the House on the issue of suicide and the need for increased resources for suicide prevention measures. The Coroner Service is at the heart of my question. Is the Minister aware that there is no consistency among coroners when it comes to reporting deaths by suicide? Is he aware that the coroner in County Roscommon, for example, will not report such deaths? Is he that the profession is well served by the legislation governing the practice of coroners? Coroners should have a facility to prepare people who have to attend a Coroners Court to give evidence when a tragic death takes place, whether by road accident or suicide. A liaison officer should meet family members and those giving evidence to assist and support them through the process. There is a need for a directive from the Minister to establish standard operational procedures whereby coroners could respond in a correct manner in order that there would not be different standards of reporting in different counties.
The Deputy will appreciate that, because of the independence of coroners, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the approach taken by an individual coroner. The duty of a coroner is to accurately record the cause of death and it is crucially important that he or she do so.
In so far as reform is required in this area of the law, the Bill my predecessor published is being reviewed in my Department. The Deputy is welcome to make a contribution to its further development because some aspects need to be amended, while further reforms will be brought forward.
It is important that family members are treated with insight and sensitivity when a death occurs, whether as a result of suicide or otherwise. Services are, of course, available within the HSE to provide assistance and counselling for families who suffer bereavement as a consequence of suicide.
I would welcome the Deputy's contributing to the work we are doing on the Coroners Bill. I would be happy to engage with him in that context.
I thank the Minister. I will be happy to take up his offer to participate in the review.
Written Answers follow Adjournment.
