I propose to take Questions Nos. 1117, 1124 and 1228 together.
I wish to assure the Deputies that I remain fully committed to the goal of reforming and modernising the coronial system in Ireland. In that regard, the recommendations contained in the report of the review of the coroners service are an essential part of the process. One of the key recommendations of the report was the establishment of a coroners rules committee to bring forward detailed proposals with regard to operational procedures for coroners. The rules committee was established in November 2001 and has completed its work. I expect to be in a position to issue their report shortly.
In the context of fulfilling the Government's commitment to modernisation of our coronial system, I met with representatives of the Coroners Society of Ireland on 30 June last. Our discussions centred on key issues of concern which had been highlighted by the report of the review group or otherwise, for instance by decisions of the courts. We agreed that a certain number of issues needed to be addressed as a priority. These would include the issue of attendance of medical and other witnesses at inquest, increased sanctions for those who refuse to cooperate at an inquest and a more coherent restatement of the scope of the provisions for mandatory inquests, to include all deaths in custody situations. I gave the coroners a commitment to introduce a proposal to deal with these urgent measures.