Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The coroners service comprises the network of coroners located in districts throughout the country. All coronial districts, with the exception of Dublin, are the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority. Coroners are independent quasi-judicial office holders whose core function is to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths.

I recognise the significance and sensitivity of the inquest process for loved ones of the bereaved, and that delays in holding inquests can cause distress for families of the deceased. A decision to direct a post mortem examination and / or hold an Inquest in to the death of a person, in any particular set of circumstances, rests with the individual coroner. My Department has no role in directing the work of Coroners during their death investigation function.

Based on information provided by Coroners, the holding of certain inquests may await receipt by the Coroner of a final post-mortem report from a pathologist, or the outcome of an ongoing investigation by An Garda Síochána or other statutory bodies (such as the HSE, GSOC, the Inspector of Prisons, or the Health and Safety Authority). Inquests may also be unable to proceed when the Coroner is awaiting information from a family, their legal representatives, or other interested parties.

Information on the number of Inquests heard in each Coronial district can be found at: www.gov.ie/en/collection/4dc84-coroners-annual-returns-2018-2020/

The Department does not collate data in respect of the waiting periods for Inquests within coronial districts. Contact details for all Coroners can, however, be accessed at www.gov.ie/en/service/304ba-find-your-local-coroner/

On 20 October 2023, I launched a wide-ranging consultation to inform the development of proposals for comprehensive reform of the Coroner Service in Ireland, which closed on 19 January 2024.

The consultation provided an opportunity for members of the public, stakeholder groups and members of the Oireachtas to express their views, express observations and provide proposals on how the Coroner Service might be enhanced into the future.

I am pleased to say that there was a very high level of public engagement in the consultation process with approximately 250 submissions received across both surveys. Departmental officials are currently analysing the information gathered during the consultation process with a view to bring forward proposals for the reform the Coroner Service.