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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Coroner service reform

Summary

Deputy Costello says the coroner service is under-resourced, fragmented and overdue for the radical reform recommended years ago. The Taoiseach says he will speak to the Minister for Justice about the needed reforms.

I would like to raise reform of the coroner service nationally. I must give credit to Deputies Gould and Ó Laoghaire, who have been raising this issue consistently. In 2000, a full comprehensive review was published by the Department of Justice, which recommended radical reform. Recent research by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties has shown this reform simply has not happened. The system is under-resourced, regionally disjointed and, ultimately, ill-equipped to provide the justice and compassion needed by many bereaved families who find themselves using the service. The ultimate consequence is a failure to vindicate the rights of bereaved families. We have a report from 2000 calling for radical reform. When will the report be introduced?

Comment on this

I thank the Deputy for raising what is a very important issue. I will engage with the Minister for Justice on this with regard to the reforms that are required and I will revert to the Deputy.

Comment on this