Dáil debates

Wednesday, 10 July 2019

Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2018: From the Seanad

 

6:55 pm

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will conclude by making some brief remarks. I acknowledge the importance of the legislation and the constructive manner in which the Bill has been supported. As I did before, I acknowledge the initial leadership shown by now MEP Clare Daly. I thank the Chairs of the Dáil and the Seanad who have actively supported its progression, underlining the cross-party support for the Bill.

I acknowledge the presence here this evening of families who have been directly touched by these issues and I acknowledge the interest and commitment they have shown throughout the sometimes lengthy progress and passage of the legislation and all of those who have supported and campaigned for many of the changes of a positive nature we now see in the legislation.

I convey my appreciation and thanks to the Office of the Attorney General. I also want to express my appreciation of Dr. Mary Flanagan, the president of the Coroners Society, Mr. Eugene O'Connor and all of the members of the Coroners Society's legislation committee for their expert contributions to the Department during the extensive preparation of the Bill. I also acknowledge the contribution of my officials and in particular, two who are both present here this evening, Ms Madeleine Reid and Mr. Brendan McNamara, who often worked under strict deadlines to ensure we were in a position to have matters concluded here before the summer vacation. Often, that is easier said than done.

This is complex legislation and Deputies such as Deputy Ó Cuív, who were involved in the 2007 legislation will know there are very serious legal and complex issues involved and it has not been a simple exercise. I am very pleased we have arrived in the position where we are now. I recall that during Committee Stage in the Dáil, the Acting Chairman, Deputy Durkan, made a comment that we were making a little bit of history together and I believe we are. Now that the Bill has been approved in its entirety, my intention is to seek early enactment and at an early stage thereafter, early commencement. I said on the close of Report Stage on 15 May that I hoped, with the support of both Houses, to seek enactment by the summer recess. I am very pleased to do so and in this regard I acknowledge the contribution of Deputies O'Callaghan, Ó Laoghaire, Sherlock and others. It is with pleasure, therefore, that I propose we bring the proceedings to a conclusion.

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