Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The timing of the inquest is a matter for the senior Dublin coroner Dr. Myra Cullinane and it is not possible for Government to interfere in her work. However, it is the wish of Government that these inquests should start as soon as possible. I mentioned that pre-inquest hearings have already taken place. The OPW, which is a branch of Government, is working with the coroner to try to find a suitable location when the RDS takes that space back next month. We will work on that and I am sure it can be achieved.

On the request from Phoenix Law Solicitors to pay the jurors serving on the inquest, that would be unusual. Part of the idea behind a jury is they are a jury of your peers and not salaried or waged. However, this is an unusual situation given the inquest will go on for so long. Thus, the Minister for Justice is currently considering that and will make a response when she has a chance to do so.

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