CORONERS ACROSS the country are “anxiously awaiting” new legislation which will give them additional investigative powers, according to Dublin city coroner.
The Coroners’ Society is currently engaging with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform in a review of the Coroners Bill 2007, which contains new proposals regarding medico-legal death investigation.
Once enacted into law the Bill will provide a legal framework for conducting inquests that are compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights. It will also provide coroners in the State with increased investigative powers and will address deficiencies in the current domestic law regarding inquests.
“We are anxiously awaiting new legislation,” said Dublin city coroner Dr Brian Farrell. He was speaking yesterday after the official opening of a new two-storey extension at the Dublin city coroner’s court on Store Street.
The facility, which dates from 1901 has the distinction of being the only designated coroner’s court in the State.
Under the European Convention on Human Rights incorporated into Irish law in 2003 the State has an obligation to hold a public inquiry where a death occurs of an individual or individuals in the care or custody of the State or when the death is caused by agents of the State. The inquiry must be held in public, and must be thorough, prompt, effective and involve the next of kin.
The extension, he said, coupled with the new Dublin medico-legal centre in Marino, represented “the most important development of facilities for medico-legal and forensic death investigation ever in the State”.
Work on the Store Street project, which cost just over €1 million and includes a public reception area and meeting rooms, commenced at the end of 2008. It was opened by Lord Mayor Gerry Breen.
Assistant Garda Commissioner Michael Feehan, city manager John Tierney and Supt Francis Clerkin of Store Street Garda station attended the opening.