THE Department of Justice has conceded indemnification to the State's coroners, according to a Department spokeswoman. The coroners were due to suspend all inquests from tomorrow unless such indemnity was granted to them.
The issue came to a head during the summer when the High Court awarded costs against a Donegal coroner, whose ruling was overturned following a judicial review. It is understood that indemnification will apply retrospectively, to include the Donegal case and a similar one in west Galway. In future, where a coroner's ruling is challenged, the Solicitor General will arrange his/ her legal representation and costs.
Dr Bartley Sheehan, spokesman for the Coroners' Association of Ireland, said last night: "The situation has greatly improved. I will be consulting my members on whether the planned suspension will be called off." He expressed the hope that inquests would now go ahead as normal.
However, the association is to continue its four year old campaign for an improvement in pay and conditions.
The average annual income of a coroner is between £2,000 and £3,000, including all expenses.
