Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I intend to bring forward an amendment that will propose to permit the involvement of a designated officer of GSOC in assisting the coroner's exercise of power under the section, in cases that fall under a GSOC investigation with particular reference to this section. It will provide for a new power for the coroner to enter premises by consent or under a warrant of the District Court, to take possession of any documents, articles, substance or item that might be relevant to the coroner's functions regarding a death. A warrant may be issued by the District Court if the judge is satisfied on the sworn information of the coroner that there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the premises contains such documents or things that may be required by the coroner for the purposes of the inquiry. This would involve the attendance of an appropriate officer from GSOC, should the circumstances warrant.