Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 459: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on a matter relating to the Coroners Court (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27737/12]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 507: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to change the current system which allows for all inquests to be held in court rooms and in public; his plans to change certain inquests to be held in private; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28235/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 459 and 507 together.

Under the Coroners Act 1962, a coroner is an independent office holder with responsibility under the law for the medico-legal investigation of the circumstances of sudden, unexplained, violent and unnatural deaths.

Regrettably, there are an increasing number of cases in our society that involve suicide and that fall to be investigated by our coroners. Coroners must ensure that a proper public investigation be seen to take place in order to reassure the public as to the cause of death in all cases of reportable death. I am aware that it is the practice of our coroners to be especially sensitive in so far as is possible, to the needs of families in the handling of all inquests and particularly so where suicide may be in question. I am aware of the hurt and trauma involved for family members and relatives in all tragic death situations, but perhaps especially in regard to suicide.

I have no plans to amend the law to exclude the public from an inquest which may be investigating a death resulting from suicide.