Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that these changes have been a long time in the making. I ask Senators to understand that the issues are quite complex. I am pleased that we have arrived at a decision and, as a result, Opposition Senators have agreed to enact the legislation. The changes we have made have to go back to the Dáil for approval. I do not expect that this will take too long. I expect the Dáil to consider the Bill before it rises for the summer vacation. I can give Senators and those in the Gallery an assurance to that effect, subject to the assent of the Business Committee.

I acknowledge the support and positive engagement of the coroners' representative body. I thank the current president of the Coroners Society of Ireland, Dr. Mary Flanagan, as well as Mr. Eugene O'Connor and others, for their ongoing input. We have not been in a position to address some issues fully in this legislation. I hope we can continue to work on those issues in the context of further legislation that I expect to advance, or see advanced, in the autumn. The Bill will return to the Dáil for approval. I thank my officials for dealing with issues of considerable complexity. I am grateful for the active engagement of the Attorney General and his officials. I expect that this Bill will be on the way to President Higgins for his signature by tomorrow week to facilitate its early enactment and early implementation.