Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 188: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will expedite the publication of the Coroners Bill; the reason there is a delay in producing this legislation; the main measures he envisages in the Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2858/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Coroners Bill 2007 is before the Seanad having been restored to the Order Paper on my initiative. The Bill is in the course of being reviewed in my Department with a view, among other matters, to making it as cost-effective as possible. The Bill, as published, provides for the comprehensive reform of the existing legislation and structures relating to coroners and provides for the establishment of a new Coroner Service. The Bill incorporates many of the recommendations made by the Coroners Review Group in 2000 and the Coroners Rules Committee in 2003 and it aims to fulfil various obligations placed on the State by the European Convention on Human Rights and, particularly, the Article 2 requirement in relation to the investigation of deaths of persons involving the State.

The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011 provides for some early reforms in coronial matters, including an amalgamation of the Dublin County and City coronial districts.

It is my intention to progress the Coroners Bill as soon as possible this year.