New bill could interfere with our independence, claims Coroners Society

The public information officer for the Coroners Society of Ireland, Patrick O’Connor, said: “We weren’t consulted at all on this bill. They are trying to impose something principally for Dublin."

Coroners are concerned that their independence in investigating deaths could be hindered by plans to make them civil servants.

A letter from the Coroners Society of Ireland has been sent to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, and Justice Minister Helen McEntee, raising concerns ahead of the Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2024 in the Seanad.

The bill provides for the appointment of extra coroners in Dublin, as well as temporary coroners in other areas of the country “where necessary due to the number or nature of deaths in that district”.

The bill is being debated ahead of the expiry on February 21 of the current term of office of three temporary coroners in the Dublin coronial district.

However, the CSI’s public information officer and coroner for Mayo, Patrick O’Connor, said the extension of terms of office for those three coroners could be extended through simpler, shorter legislation.

Mr O’Connor said: “We weren’t consulted at all on this bill. They are trying to impose something principally for Dublin, but it will also have ramifications around the country, without any consultation whatsoever with the coroners around the country.” 

In relation to the possibility of coroners becoming civil servants under the new legislation, Mr O’Connor said: “We are concerned it could interfere with the independence of coroners to carry out enquiries without interference or reference by the State.” 

At present, coroners are quasi-judicial officers who are appointed by the State but who are independent of the State.

The letter also highlighted concerns about the “proposal to appoint coroners based on short, fixed-term contracts with no security or independence of tenure.” Sources said that there is also concern that the Justice Minister will not be able to appoint a coroner without the consent of the Public Expenditure Minister.