Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Clare Daly and all those who contributed to the debate about these very important issues. I reiterate that it is the Minister's intention that the Government will not oppose this Bill on Second Stage. The Minister very much appreciates the intention behind the Bill and what the Deputy is trying to achieve.

As the Minister has asked me to indicate, the legislation will require substantial amendment on Committee Stage for the reasons she has outlined. From my reading of all the material, I think it boils down to two issues: the ongoing review that she has in the Department of the Coroners Service to make sure we can modernise it and get it right; and the issue of mandatory inquests, to make sure there is not any unintended consequences whereby a bereaved family might find itself having to participate in an inquest which it may not wish for in certain circumstances. They are the two points I would make in the context of the Minister not opposing this Bill.

A number of contributions from Deputies confirm and underline the important contribution made by the coroners system and the value placed on it by bereaved families. That says a great deal about its value. Deputy Mac Lochlainn referred to transcripts of the joint committee hearing which considered the importance of ensuring the coroners system complies with the Convention on Human Rights. After that hearing, the Minister requested copies of the transcripts and they are being fully considered in the context of her review.

As I have already indicated, the underlying issue is the need to make sure we have a comprehensive review of the coroners system which gives a solid financial and administrative basis to that system in order that it can be modern and fit for purpose. This is an issue which the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, has signalled is a priority for her. It needs a well-thought-out, revised framework for coroners and needs to be matched by appropriate financial resources also. The Minister's review aims to ensure a solid foundation to modernise the coroners system and to ensure that the quality of service is in place that Members of this House and, most particularly, bereaved families would wish for. I can inform the House on behalf of the Minister that the review is already well progressed. The Minister wants me to reassure Deputy Daly and all Deputies who have contributed that it will take full account of all the important issues which have arisen today.

On Deputy Boyd Barrett's point about transparency and consent in respect of organ retention at post mortem examinations, this is a very important issue. I can confirm to the Deputy that it is being considered in the context of the Minister's review of the Coroners Bill. I will certainly bring to the Minister's attention the specific, very difficult and sensitive case the Deputy raised.

I want to express the Minister's appreciation to Deputy Clare Daly for bringing the Bill forward. I confirm that the important issues that have been raised will be given in-depth consideration and will be integrated into her review of the coroners legislation. In particular, I thank the bereaved families who have been here to observe our debate. I thank them for their presence, which reminds all of us of the absolute importance of getting this right.

The Government does not oppose this Private Members' Bill, subject to the need for amendment as I have already outlined, to ensure that it will be legally valid and that it will lead to the effective outcomes I am sure Deputies on all sides wish to see.

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