Vol. 470 No. 4
219 Mr. O'Dea asked the Minister for Justice if she has received representations from coroners in relation to their pay and conditions; if so, the steps, if any, she proposes to take to improve their pay and conditions; when she will make a decision regarding this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19074/96]
A formal written pay offer was made to the coroners on Friday 11 October 1996. Negotiations on that offer are currently in progress and I am not in a position to discuss any further details pending the outcome of these negotiations.
As I stated in my response to questions from Deputy O'Hanlon and Deputy Kirk on Tuesday, 15 October I am aware there is a need to take an overall look at the Coroner Service and I have already agreed, in consultation with my colleague, the Minister for the Environment, Deputy Howlin, that a study group should be set up which will have the task of examining a range of issues relating to the Coroner Service.
