Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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1092. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied) who died in custody in Mountjoy Prison on 3 January 2022 and establish when the required inquest into their death will take place; the reason the inquest has been delayed for such a long period since the person’s death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10629/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise the significance and sensitivity of the coronial investigation process for loved ones of the bereaved, and that delays in coronial investigations can cause distress for families of the deceased.

The Coroner Service comprises a network of coroners located in districts throughout the country. Coroners are independent office holders whose function under the Coroners Act 1962, as amended, is to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths so that a death certificate can issue. A decision to direct a post-mortem examination and to hold an inquest into the death of a person, in any particular set of circumstances, rests with the individual coroner. Neither I as Minister, nor my Department, has any function in the conduct of coronial business.

However, to be of assistance, officials from my Department have contacted the Dublin Coroner’s Office, who stated that the Coroner procedurally awaits the publication of the Report of the Inspector of Prisons, prior to holding an inquest into a death in custody. After receipt of the Report of the Inspector of Prisons, the Coroner will be in a position to hold an inquest hearing.