It is important that maternal deaths are fully investigated by way of a coroner inquest and that there is greater clarity and transparency in mandatory reporting of certain types of deaths. It will be an offence for a responsible person not to report a mandatory reportable death to the coroner. The Bill will also extend legal aid for certain inquests in civil law. This is a priority Bill. When can we expect the Coroners (Amendment) Bill before the House?

I met the Coroners Society of Ireland yesterday and am very keen to report progress on the Bill, the heads of which were approved by Government in May this year. Priority drafting work is underway. I do not have a date for prelegislative scrutiny but I would expect that this will be some time in the new year. I am happy to keep the Deputy informed.