Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive response. It is very welcome to hear the reforms that are being undertaken to address the backlog.

I have a few follow-up questions. Will the Minister of State provide a timeline for the implementation of the Bill that will be brought to Government later this year? When is the expected commencement date for the Bill? I am happy to see the decision to establish the office of the chief coroner. It will be crucial in setting standards and expectations. I assume part of the remit of that office will involve responsibility for ensuring there is a guideline period within which an investigation can be held and a time within which bereaved families can expect the release of their loved ones.

With regard to the responsibility of the Minister of State's Department for the Dublin coroner's district, could he provide some information on the number of temporary coroners who have been appointed in the district to help address the workload? That would go some distance towards addressing some of the public concerns I have received from constituents over the past few weeks. It would be helpful to know that steps are being taken to deal with that backlog.

I ask the Minister of State to give an indication as to whether new or updated guidelines will be in place during this interregnum while the backlog is being cleared, given that families have an expectation of when remains will be released. I again thank the Minister him for his response and for engaging with this matter.

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