Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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102. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will support reform (details supplied) to the Coroners Bill 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44381/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will know, the Coroners Bill 2007 provides for a comprehensive reform of the Coroners Act 1962 and of the existing coroner system, including the establishment of a new Coroner Service. It incorporates many of the recommendations made by the Coroners Review Group in 2000, and by the Coroners Rules Committee in 2003, as well as a detailed review of reforms to coronial systems in other common-law jurisdictions (particularly New Zealand and Northern Ireland).

The 2007 Bill is out of date and needs review in the light of:

- the changed public finances;

- the increased emphasis on delivering leaner, better integrated and more customer-focused public services; and

- developing coroner practice and caselaw, particularly on the application to coroners’ inquests of Art. 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

I can confirm to the Deputy that I support reform of the Coroners Bill 2007, and a review of the Bill has commenced, at my request, with a view to developing a plan for its progression.

As finalising the review is dependent on competing legislative priorities, I am not in a position, at present, to give a definitive indication on a timeframe for this project.