714. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice what plans are in place for the district of Kerry north, in view of the fact that the coroner there is due to retire shortly and that no deputy coroner has been appointed for this area (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44071/24]

My Department values the very important service provided by Coroners to the bereaved.

The Coroners Act 1962, as amended makes a number of provisions to ensure the continuance of this essential public service.  In circumstances where a Coroner is absent or where a vacancy arises (due to the death, retirement or resignation) in the office of Coroner, a Deputy Coroner will act as Coroner to the relevant district for as long as the vacancy / absence continues.

The legislation also makes provision of the appointment of a Temporary Coroner to a district in certain circumstances such as where the workload of the district demands such an appointment.

The sitting coroner for Kerry North and West is due to retire later this year, creating a vacancy in the Office of Coroner. I am currently considering the amalgamation of the Kerry North and West coronial districts with those of the Kerry East and South coronial districts.

If such a determination is made, the amalgamation will be effective upon the appointment of the Coroner to Kerry East and South to the Office of Coroner for the Kerry North and West Coronial districts.

The appointment of a Deputy Coroner is a function of the Coroner. In all coronial districts outside of Dublin, the person to be appointed Deputy by the Coroner is subject to the approval of the relevant local authority and the Minister for Justice.

I am aware of a small number of districts outside of the Dublin district that currently do not have a Deputy Coroner. Officials within my Department are continuing to engage with relevant stakeholders with a view to the appointment of Deputy Coroners in the near future.