Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)

Deputy Costello is correct on the need to extend the scope of a coroner's remit. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform must examine this in the promised coroners Bill to be published next year. There is also a need for facilities such as hospitals and nursing homes to be included in the definition.

Deputy Ó Snodaigh is correct on the need for expanding the issues that coroners must examine. Mandatory requirements must be introduced. One important issue, which I hope the Minister will take on board, is that of blood-alcohol limits. Under the current legislation, it is at the discretion of the coroner whether he or she decides to test the blood-alcohol limits in road traffic accidents. In some circumstances tests are completed, while in others they are not. If it were a mandatory requirement, there are still no facilities in place for the collation of those statistics on a national basis to see how large an issue it is. It is important this basic information is collected.

I have come across many cases where young drivers involved in fatal road traffic accidents have been branded as having been over the alcohol limit. In one such case, a member of the Garda Síochána informed me that the individual had a converted van but not to the correct specifications. The safety plate at the back of the driver's area was not in place and a toolbox came through the back of the van, killing the young man. As far as hearsay in the local community was concerned, however, it was claimed the young man was drinking even though he had not been.

It is important to ensure and protect people's reputations. Blood-alcohol testing must be put on a mandatory basis, with the statistics collated on a national basis. Deputy Ó Snodaigh's amendment, in principle, is correct, but it is more appropriate for the more substantial coroners' legislation that will come before the House in the new year.

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