Coroner says Ludlow inquest notification was extraordinary

The coroner for Dublin city and county has told the Oireachtas Justice Committee it was extraordinary that the family of Seamus Ludlow were not notified of the inquest into his death until 45 minutes before it began.

The committee is currently examining the Barron Report into Mr Ludlow's murder by loyalist paramilitaries near Dundalk, Co Louth, in May 1976.

That report was severely critical of the way the Ludlow family were treated by the authorities, particularly the Gardai, who were responsible for notifying them of the inquest.

In evidence to the committee today, Dr Brian Farrell said he could not understand why the Ludlows were given such short notice.

"Clearly, under our practice, that simply would not pass muster," he said.