Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
582. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if she has plans to include a complaints mechanism for families during a reform process of the Coroner’s Courts system; when this reform process will take place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27574/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoroners are independent quasi-judicial officials whose function under the Coroners Acts 1962-2020 is to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths so that a death certificate can issue.
My Department has no role in directing the work of coroners during their death investigation, which may culminate in an inquest.
Coroners endeavour, as far as possible, to show great sensitivities towards bereaved families and to accommodate their concerns. However, coroners must also have regard to the statutory requirements involved and the interests of other parties at an inquest.
The Deputy's suggestion regarding a possible complaints procedure can be considered further during the review of the coroner service currently underway in my Department, as committed to in my Justice Plan 2022.
The Deputy may be interested to know that the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission recently published “Information on the Rights of Families at Inquest", which provides guidance to bereaved families in their engagement with the death investigation process conducted by a coroner. It can be found on their website at:
www.ihrec.ie/app/uploads/2022/05/Information-on-the-Rights-of-Families-at-Inquests-web.pdf
