Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

I wish to share time with Deputies Crawford and O'Dowd.

It says something that it has been more than 40 years since the Coroners Act was debated in the House. It says something else that it is being debated as a result of an Opposition Bill. I am pleased to support what is essentially an emergency Bill, of which there have been few examples in my time in the House. In 1990 one such Bill was introduced, essentially designed to support the business activities of Larry Goodman, while I recollect another, also in the 1990s, dealing with the issue of greyhound muzzling.

As we approach Christmas, it is lovely to have a Bill which all parties can gather around. This legislation arises from the circumstances in which a particular family, the Nowlan family, finds itself. While its effect extends beyond the Nowlans, the Bill has a particular resonance for them. Deputies are delighted to rally around the family and offer it sympathy, succour and support by amending the principal legislation to meet its needs.

I congratulate the Labour Party, in particular its leader, Deputy Rabbitte, on taking the initiative and introducing the legislation. I also congratulate the Minister who has acknowledged the urgent need for the Bill and agreed to accept its passage, particularly as the adjourned inquest is due to recommence next month.

I wish to raise two technical issues. The House must establish a process to ensure, as required, that the Bill passes this week. While I do not propose to cause a problem, Members will need time, preferably in the Chamber, to deal with amendments on Committee and Report Stages and allow the Bill to move to the Seanad. It would put the process off track if we were forced to call a special meeting of the Select Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, as to do so would consume time which is probably not available.

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