I wish to raise the issue of delays in inquests in the Dublin Coroner's Court. Given the circumstances of an inquest, such delays can cause additional stress and anguish for relatives and friends of the deceased. The problem is not particularly serious but it does exist and I hope the Minister of State will make inquiries to see if the position can be improved.
There are various forms of inquests designed to establish the facts surrounding a death, to place those facts on public record and, perhaps, to make certain findings thereon. This involves the identification of the deceased and the date, place and cause of death. It is obvious that delays occur by necessity in cases involving foul play. Such inquests can be adjourned to enable further evidence to be gathered or so that the Garda or other authorities can make further inquiries. However, I am aware of a number of cases in which inquests have been delayed for nine or ten months where the person died alone, not necessarily in suspicious circumstances. The necessary inquiries have to be made in these cases. However, where it is clear that death was due to natural causes could a procedure be implemented to speed up the process? I do not know whether the problem involves staffing levels or whether the coroner has to fix the date of inquests. In some cases the coroner is involved in some other practice. Would it be possible to implement a system to identify the cause of delays where an inquest has not be held after three or six months?
In some cases witnesses are not available or a garda may be injured and unable to attend the court. However, we should monitor such cases so that the next of kin are informed of the cause of the delay and when it is hoped to hold the inquest. Even though the facts surrounding a death may be obvious, relatives and friends regard the inquest as another ordeal which they must go through.
The recent Victims Charter included a coroner's service charter and outlined the role of the coroner. The coroner has a responsibility at a very sensitive time if post-mortem is required or if the remains are to be released reasonably quickly to enable a funeral to take place. Families must be kept informed and this may be the responsibility of the Garda. This is a sensitive time for next of kin and friends. I am not suggesting that unsympathetic procedures are being adopted but I am sure the Minister of State will agree that the situation could be improved. I am not criticising the coroner's court or the Department but let us address the situation if there is room for improvement. I hope the Minister of State will take my comments on board and raise this issue with the Minister and his officials and with the coroner's court.
