Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all of the contributors for their contributions. I thank Senator Gilroy for bringing forward the report. Many of the issues I wanted to raise have been raised already. Deputy Kelleher referred to the problem in respect of males under 30 years of age. What changes have occurred in the past five or six years in this area? Has any analysis been carried out? Has the substantial increase in suicides been in any particular age group? We have seen the figures in respect of unemployment but are there corresponding figures for the various age groups?

Another issue is the role of the coroner and coroners' inquests. I realise I am straying somewhat from the report. I raised the matter at a meeting less than two weeks ago of the period following which coroners hold inquests. I have come across cases in which there has been a substantial delay in the holding of an inquest although I know for a fact that in one case all the information was available. The case does not relate to Cork, in case the coroner thinks it does. All the information was available to the coroner but there was a substantial delay in holding of an inquest. Such was the delay that representatives of the hospital concerned contacted the State Claims Agency because they were concerned that the family might have come to the conclusion that something was being hidden. I understand there is no requirement for a given period under the Coroners Act, although I am open to correction.

Another issue relates to what is written on death certificates. I have come across situations in which the physical cause of death is written on the death certificate. One case arose in which a parent had to present the death certificate to the primary school of the child. The parent was concerned about what was written on the death certificate. What are the criteria for what should be written on death certificates? Is medical cause included? For example, what if there was a physical cause? Let us suppose a death was caused by suicide but the medical cause of death was not written; rather, the physical cause of death was put down. Do we need to tidy up this area? What are the views of the witnesses? The case in question caused major trauma for the spouse have to bring the death certificate to the primary school to show that the parent had full responsibility for the care of the child. Can the position be clarified? What is the view of the deputations on whether we should change the law on the issue?