Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 June 2024
80. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Justice if the reductions made in and 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. [26339/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra81. 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 therefore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26554/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 80 and 81 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. Coroners are independent office holders whose core function is to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths so that a death certificate can be issued. Neither I, as Minister, nor my Department, has any function in the conduct of coronial business.
Remuneration rates for Coroners were reduced, in line with wider reductions in civil and public service remuneration on 29 April 2009.
Departmental officials are currently working on the request of the Coroner Society of Ireland for their fees to be restored to their pre-April 2009 levels. In this respect, the Department has engaged with the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform in respect of the restoration of Coroner fees. On their advices officials will now engage with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Local Authorities which fund coroners outside of the Dublin district.
