Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his kind comments. I am pleased that there is greater debate across the floor of the House on the issue of suicide and the need for increased resources for suicide prevention measures. The Coroner Service is at the heart of my question. Is the Minister aware that there is no consistency among coroners when it comes to reporting deaths by suicide? Is he aware that the coroner in County Roscommon, for example, will not report such deaths? Is he that the profession is well served by the legislation governing the practice of coroners? Coroners should have a facility to prepare people who have to attend a Coroners Court to give evidence when a tragic death takes place, whether by road accident or suicide. A liaison officer should meet family members and those giving evidence to assist and support them through the process. There is a need for a directive from the Minister to establish standard operational procedures whereby coroners could respond in a correct manner in order that there would not be different standards of reporting in different counties.

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