Coroners’ courts reform – Proper consultation is necessary

NOBODY questions the need for radical reform of Ireland’s outdated coroners’ courts but Justice Minister Michael McDowell’s approach to this issue leaves much to be desired.

According to the Coroners’ Society, the legislation being drafted would force a number of them to “relinquish their posts” rather than let them “bow out in a natural progression”, as Dr Ciaran McLoughlin succinctly put it.

It seems the Tánaiste risks creating an industrial relations problem where none exists. With a gun to their heads, the country’s 48 coroners are seeking legal advice and are on collision course with the Minister for Justice.