Modernisation of the Coroner Service

Legislation has been prepared to modernise and reform the Coroner Service. Despite the enormous contribution of individual coroners, the current system no longer provides the best possible service to members of the public.

The Coroners Bill 2007, which was presented to the Seanad on 20 April, 2007, comprehensively reforms the existing legislation and structures relating to coroners and provides for the establishment of a new coroner service. The Bill incorporates many of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Coroners Review Group, published in 2000, and the Coroners Rules Committee Report, published in 2003. The Bill also has regard to developments since in terms of jurisprudence and to ongoing reform of coroner services in other common law jurisdictions.