Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I agree with the Minister's sentiments on his intention to introduce a major review and updating of the Coroners Act next year.

Deputy Rabbitte's legislation intends to deal with two specific areas. By broadening it out, we will move into other areas that will require a considerable degree of examination. I agree with Deputy Ó Snodaigh that there is a need for greater scope and mandatory requirements for areas not covered in the current Act. Section 17 of the 1962 Act states that, it is only if it is the opinion of the coroner that the death has been from unnatural causes or in unnatural circumstances.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh's amendment proposes to include certain locations in the legislation. My difficulty with it is that the list is not comprehensive. It relates only to military, Garda or prison custody. I want to see that extended to areas such as nursing homes, hospitals, suicides, drug-related deaths, which should be covered by coroners' inquests. It is best to accept the principle of extending the scope of coroners' inquests, as was recommended in the coroners service working group's report in 2000. The Minister's pledge to include an extension of the scope in the new legislation in 2006 is the best way forward.

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