Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 May 2024
221. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice if the reductions made to salaries and payments to a sector (details supplied) under the provisions of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2017 have been reversed such that the remuneration and payments made to the sector will be and/or were reinstated to the levels applicable in 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24459/24]
View answer222. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice if the reductions in salaries and payments to a sector (details supplied) made under the FEMPI Acts or under any other measure have not been reinstated, the reason therefor; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24464/24]
View answer223. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice the reason Section 20 of the Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interests Act 2017 has not yet been fully implemented and completed such that all reduction made in and to salaries and payments to a sector have not yet been unwound (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24468/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 221, 222 and 223 together.
The coroners service comprises of a network of coroners located in districts throughout the country. All coronial districts, with the exception of Dublin, are the responsibility of the relevant Local Authority, including with respect to the payment of Coroner fees.
Remuneration rates for Coroners were reduced, in line with wider reductions in civil and public service remuneration as provided for by FEMPI, on 29 April 2009.
On foot of submissions from the Coroner Society of Ireland, the Department has engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Local Authorities in respect of the restoration of Coroner fees. The work is ongoing.
More broadly, I can also advise the Deputy that on 20 October 2023, I launched a wide-ranging public consultation exercise to inform the development of proposals for comprehensive reform of the Coroner Service in Ireland, which closed on 19 January 2024.
The consultation provided an opportunity for members of the public, stakeholder groups and members of the Oireachtas to express their views, express observations and provide proposals on how the Coroner Service might be enhanced into the future.
I am pleased to say that there was a very high level of public engagement in the consultation process with approximately 250 submissions received across both surveys. Departmental officials are currently analysing the information gathered during the consultation process with a view to bring forward proposals for the reform the Coroner Service .
