Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012
595 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to review the existing guidelines on conducting inquest procedures; if he has had contact with a group (details supplied) in relation to the guidelines for inquest procedures. [20403/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 and the conduct of any subsequent inquest.
Coroners must ensure that a proper public investigation be seen to take place in order to reassure the public as to the cause of death in all cases of reportable death. I am aware that it is the practice of our coroners to be especially sensitive in so far as is possible, to the needs of families in the handling of all inquests and particularly so where suicide may be in question. I am aware of the hurt and trauma involved for family members and relatives in all tragic death situations, but perhaps especially in regard to suicide.
In regard to suicide, preventative measures and interventions can assist a person in distress from taking that very final step. In that regard, the work of voluntary groups, such as the one referred to by the Deputy, who provide practical assistance help and support to persons bereaved by suicide, is of such importance. I understand that there is a link to that group via the coroner's website — www.coroners.ie. In addition, in September 2010, my Department wrote to each coroner, drawing their attention to the existence of the group in question.
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. The Bill incorporates many of the recommendations made by the Coroners Review Group in 2000 and the Coroners Rules Committee in 2003 and it aims to fulfil various obligations placed on the State by the European Convention on Human Rights and, particularly, the Article 2 requirement in relation to the investigation of deaths of persons involving the State. It would be my hope to progress the Coroners Bill this year.
The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 provides for some early reforms in coronial matters, including an amalgamation of the Dublin County and City coronial districts.
