Coroner system reform proposals to be brought to Government this year, Helen McEntee says

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said department officials had worked closely with officials in the Office of the Attorney General 'to ensure that the appointment of coroners as civil servants of the State would not impinge on the independent role' under the Coroners Act. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Proposals to reform the coroners' system will be brought to Government before the end of this year, according to the Justice Minister.

Helen McEntee made the commitment as she hit back at fears by coroners that legislation currently going through the Dáil for the appointment of new coroners for Dublin and temporary coroners across the country could hinder the independence of their role.