Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to address the lack of recognition for forensic pathology training here; whether he intends to reform the inquest system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17628/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I wish to inform the Deputy that the issue she has raised arises in the context of the recognition of forensic pathology as a speciality in its own right. It is not recognised as such in Ireland at the present time. Recognition is a matter for the Medical Council and is being pursued with the Council with a view to ensuring that the State, with a view to succession planning, is in a position to train its own cadre of specialists in forensic pathology.

In regard to the question of reform of the inquest system, I can assure the Deputy that while the hearing of an inquest takes place in a public forum and a verdict of a coroner's court is one of public record, coroners are very aware of and sensitive to the tragic circumstances of cases before them and how difficult and traumatic the experience of attending an inquest may be for family members. I am satisfied that Coroners endeavour to treat each case sympathetically and that they do everything that they can to help families contribute to an inquest, as appropriate. The Coroners Review Group which reviewed the Coroner Service and reported in 2000 did not recommend that any particular category of inquest be held other than in public, which has always been the position in this State. The recommendations made by that Group provide the primary basis for the proposals contained in the Coroners Bill 2007 which is before the Seanad having been restored to the Order Paper on my initiative.