Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again acknowledge the leadership and determination of Deputy Clare Daly in regard to this Bill. I also acknowledge that the processing of this legislation took longer than anyone of us would have wished or might have expected. I acknowledge the contribution of the Coroners Society of Ireland and the coroners' representative body in terms of their assistance throughout the process and I thank my departmental officials for their work on the Bill. I acknowledge this process has taken some time but I am sure Deputies will agree this is a complex area and ultimately we are responsible to ensure that all our legislation is not only constitutionally sound but legally robust and operable. I believe that we now have the shape on this important legislation.

My intention now is to seek early progression of the Bill through the Seanad with a view to enactment. There are nine weeks of this term remaining, which I consider that to be ample time to proceed. In respect of other issues that may remain outstanding, I assure Deputy Clare Daly and the House that we are well advanced in discussions with the Office of the Attorney General and other Departments on a small number of amendments that I propose to bring forth in the Seanad, in particular the introduction of a case stated type facility for a coroner. In circumstances where there is a difficult or doubtful point of law a case stated at the High Court might well be the most appropriate manner in which it can be dealt with. I will also bring forth a provision setting out guiding principles for regulations on appropriate and respectful treatment of human tissue or organs removed for the purposes of a post mortem or inquest.

I thank Deputy Clare Daly in particular and other Deputies who engaged with this Bill in committee and otherwise. This is important legislation that over the next few weeks will become law.

See this speech in context