Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
501. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Justice the measures that can be taken to speed up the issuing of a full death certificate in cases in which months have elapsed and the interim death certificate will not suffice in order to process insurance claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61940/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Coroner Service comprises of a network of coroners located in districts throughout the country. Coroners are independent quasi-judicial office holders whose function under the Coroners Acts 1962-2020 is to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths so that a death certificate can issue.
Depending upon the circumstances of an individual case, a death investigation may involve the taking of witness statements, the obtaining of medical information, the carrying out of a post mortem examination and/or the holding of an inquest, all of which will impact upon the time it takes for a death certificate to issue.
My Department has no role in directing the work of coroners during the death investigation process.
Individual families are advised to contact the relevant coroner for updates on the progress of the investigation into the death of their loved one. All coroners’ contact details can be found on www.coroners.ie
