Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1389. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice the position regarding delays for bereaved families awaiting inquests; if the matter is being addressed; if she will examine each jurisdiction to ensure no obvious exceptionally long delays; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40437/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Coroners are independent in the conduct of their functions and neither I nor my Department have any role in the scheduling of inquests by a coroner, or for any subsequent action or decision.
Most coroners hold inquests in local court houses, and as a result of Covid-19, given public health considerations, inquests have unfortunately been severely curtailed. My Department is aware that the delay in holding inquests is causing distress for families and officials from my Department are liaising with the Courts Service on this matter. The Courts Service works closely with coroners across the country to facilitate inquests and continue to do so while ensuring adherence to Public Health guidelines.
Coroners are continuing to work to schedule inquests in a safe manner. I also understand that some coroners are holding what are referred to as ‘documentary inquests’ or remote inquests, which require very small numbers of attendees, and take place with the agreement of families. Larger inquests, requiring multiple witnesses, are being rescheduled to a later date.
Furthermore, the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 provided, among other items, for the assignment and appointment of temporary coroners to act simultaneously with other coroners in exceptional circumstances.
Dublin is the busiest coronial district and specifically in regard to the situation in the Dublin coronial district, a second coroner and two new deputy coroners were appointed in February 2020.
Additional information is available on the website www.coroners.ie or on the Dublin Coroners website www.dublincoronerscourt.ie t hat may be of assistance.
