Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
567. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the persons who are legally permitted to formally identify a deceased person in instances in which a person dies unexpectedly or in which the cause of death is unexplained; the formal procedure which must be carried out for the purpose of identifying the deceased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16252/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe current provision with regard to formal identification of a deceased person in the circumstances the Deputy describes, is section 27 of the Coroners Act 1962. The section provides as follows:
27. - (1) A coroner holding an inquest in relation to the death of any person shall, except in a case to which section 22 or section 23 of this Act relates, view the body unless—
(a) it has been viewed by a member of the Garda Síochána who gives evidence to that effect at the inquest, or
(b) it has previously been viewed by a coroner or deputy coroner.
(2) Where a coroner is holding an inquest with a jury in relation to the death of any person, the jury shall view the body only if the coroner so directs or a majority of the jury so desires.
The primary identification of the deceased person where the coroner is concerned, will be done by a member of an Garda Síochána with any necessary information to be provided by, for example a medical professional, family member, etc.
The provision to have an inquest jury view a body is no longer used.
