Government officials busy reviewing coronial legislation

Government officials are reviewing coronial legislation with a view to introducing a new Coroners Bill as soon as possible.

Senator Martin Conway, speaking in the Seanad on behalf of Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, said a dedicated Coroner Unit has been established in the Department of Justice.

He explained: “The Unit will develop policy and contribute to the review of the legislative provisions with the clear mandate to do what needs to be done to bring about reform as soon as is practicable.

“That Unit is operational since the beginning of January 2017 and has commenced engagement with relevant stakeholders and a review of the latest developments in coroner organisation in similar States with a common law heritage.”

The Unit will produce “coherent and cost effective” proposals to be taken to the Oireachtas, taking into account the State’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr Conway said the Unit would also consider whether moving from a part-time coronial service to a full-time coronial service, as proposed in the Coroners Bill 2007, is “still the optimum approach”.

He finished: “In conclusion, while not the focus of today’s discussion, I should mention those recent proposals, to amend the law with regard to making certain deaths subject to mandatory inquest, made by Deputy Clare Daly in the other House, and to add to the range of permissible inquest verdicts made by Senator Padraig McLochlainn.

“Their proposals will be integrated into the review being conducted by the Coroners Unit in the Department.”