Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The important point made by Senator Burke about the changes that will result from the expansion of the boundary in Cork applies not just to coroners but to the entire public administration. I will be happy to look at that matter in the context of my Department and my Ministry and to engage further on any specific issues of that nature.

More generally, I am grateful to Senators for their constructive support for this important legislation. This is a very complex area of law. I acknowledge the constructive engagement of everybody. I reiterate my acknowledgement of the leadership shown by the former Deputy, Clare Daly, MEP, who played an important role in the development of this legislation, particularly in respect of the provisions relating to maternal deaths. She was anxious to ensure we would enact this legislation prior to the summer recess and that is still very much my intention. I acknowledge the presence in the Gallery of families that have been touched directly by these issues and have campaigned for many years for many of the changes we are now making in this Bill. I welcome them here again.