Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

Under the Coroners Act 1962, a coroner is an independent officeholder with responsibility under law for the medico-legal investigations of the circumstances of sudden, unexplained, violent and unnatural deaths. Regrettably, there is an increasing number of cases in society that involve suicide and fall to be investigated by coroners. In the conduct of that investigation I am mindful that coroners bear a heavy duty in reaching the verdict of suicide. However, a coroner must be sure as to the cause of death. He or she cannot rush to a judgment, even though on first consideration the conclusion of suicide may be very much apparent. In that regard, I am satisfied that appropriate verdicts in relation to suicide are being recorded.

Coroners must ensure a proper public investigation is seen to take place in order to reassure the public as to the cause of death in all cases of reportable death. I am aware that it is the practice of coroners to be especially sensitive in so far as possible to the needs of families in the handling of all inquests, particularly so where suicide may be in question. I am aware of the hurt and trauma involved for family members and relatives in all tragic deaths but perhaps especially so in regard to suicide.

In regard to suicide, preventive measures and interventions can assist a person in distress from taking that very final step. In that regard, I pay tribute to the Deputy's work on behalf of Pieta House.

The Coroners Bill 2007 is before the Seanad, having been restored to the Order Paper on my initiative. The Bill is in the course of being reviewed in my Department with a view, among other matters, to making it as cost-effective as possible. As published, it provides for the comprehensive reform of existing legislative structures relating to coroners and the establishment of a new Coroner Service. It incorporates many of the recommendations made by the coroners review group in 2000 and the coroners rules committee in 2003 and aims to fulfil various obligations placed on the State by the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly the Article 2 requirement in relation to the investigation of deaths of persons involving the State. The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 provides for some early reforms in coronial matters, including an amalgamation of the Dublin county and city coronial districts. It is my hope to progress the Coroners Bill before the end of the year.

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