Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2012
435. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is enough in the Coroner’s Act to deal with the death of a person (details supplied) and if this legislation needs updating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53728/12]
View answerUnder the Coroners Act 1962, a coroner is an independent office holder with responsibility under the law for the medico-legal investigation of the circumstances of sudden, unexplained, violent and unnatural deaths. I am satisfied that the provisions of the current legislation are sufficient to investigate those deaths that require to be reported to the coroner. That would include the death referred to by the Deputy. However, as he will appreciate, that is currently the subject of an inquiry by the coroner in that jurisdiction. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter. 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. The Bill, as published, provides for the comprehensive reform of the existing legislation and structures relating to coroners and provides for the establishment of a new Coroner Service.
