Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an issue in respect of the Coroners Act. The issue may already have been covered in other amending legislation but I have not been able to find it. The issue is about the duty of the coroner to hold the inquest within a certain period of time. The case I am citing is where a death occurred in a hospital through natural causes and there had to be an inquest but there was a delay of about 18 months. The hospital became concerned that it was creating uncertainty and might involve unnecessary litigation to the extent that it contacted the State Claims Agency to see if pressure could be put on the coroner to hold the inquest. Does the Coroners Act need to be amended regarding the time period in which inquests should be held because no explanation was given for the delay?

All the necessary documentation was furnished but the inquest was not held for 18 months. I ask the Minister and his officials to examine the issue and if there is to be a delay that a reasonable explanation is given to the medical people involved and the family who are awaiting a date for the inquest.