Families 'should get legal aid at inquests of their loved ones'

Justice committee's major new report also recommends giving coroners the ability to issue legally-binding rulings

The 'Irish Examiner' has been reporting on the concerns of grieving families about Ireland's Coroner's Service, including the present non-binding nature of coroners' recommendations. Picture: iStock

An Oireachtas committee has recommended free legal aid be provided to bereaved families for representation at inquests, as well as a structure to ensure that recommendations made at inquests are implemented.

The 144-page report from the Oireachtas justice committee on the operation of the Coroner’s Service contains 15 recommendations.