Phil Hogan
Ceist:253 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the terms of employment of county coroners, including pay, conditions of employment and retirement age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4977/03]
Written Answers. - Public Service Employees.
I can inform the Deputy that, in accordance with the provisions of the Coroners Act 1962, coroners are appointed by the relevant local authority following selection by the Local Appointments Commission. The conditions of appointment and terms of employment are set out in the Coroner's Act 1962. In relation to remuneration, coroners are paid by the relevant local authority a salary which is fixed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Minister for Finance with the approval of the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. Since 1995, following negotiations on the matter with the Coroners Association of Ireland, coroners' remuneration is made up of a basic retainer fee, related to their workload, and a fee per case which is paid in relation to the work carried out. These amounts are increased in line with increases under the national wage agreements. Under section 11 of the Act, coroners appointed after the commencement of the Act shall, unless he-she dies, resigns or is removed from office, hold office until he-she reaches the age of 70 years. There is no age restriction on coroners appointed prior to the 1962 Act.