Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I support the thrust of what Deputy Ó Snodaigh is saying. The existing section 30 simply refers to the identity of the deceased, as well as how, when and where the death occurred. It does not make provision for the surrounding circumstances. At the same time, section 31 makes provision for a rider or recommendation to be made. In many ways, it is hard to see how one can add a meaningful rider unless there is some discussion of the circumstances in which the deceased met his or her death. I always thought there was a lacuna between sections 30 and 31. If there is provision for a rider or recommendation, it would be desirable to indicate clearly that it would be brought to the attention of the jury. If that is not done, jurors may or may not ask for it, but they will only do so if they have some experience. A recommendation emanating from the Coroner's Court on foot of the circumstances in which a death occurred would, in itself, be desirable.

I agree with the Minister that this matter requires other structures and resources to be in place before it would be meaningful. I also agree that it should be left to the new, updated Bill.

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