Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 136: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if he will list all coroners here; the number of inquests they presided over in the years 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and to date in 2011; the amount each coroner was paid in each of those years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3175/11]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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Details of coroners, the districts that they serve and their caseloads in 2007, 2008 and 2009 are published on the website - www.coroners.ie. Coroners are independent office holders and funded through the local authorities. Returns for 2010 have been sought by my Department and it is hoped to have these published on the website towards the end of February. Figures to date in 2011 are not yet available.

The payments made to coroners by local authorities in 2007, 2008 and 2009 are set out on the table. Payments to coroners are on a fee per item basis and cover not only inquests (€522.97 per case), but cases in respect of deaths reported which do not proceed to post mortem or inquest (€129.68 per case), and cases involving post mortems only (€188.54 per case). They also incorporate annual retainers paid to cover the costs of staffing, accommodation and general office costs.

* Returns awaited