Menu
02/11/2022
Justice Minister Proposes Change To Inquest On Deaths Abroad
Justice Minister, Naomi Long has launched a new public consultation on coronors' inquests into deaths abroad, seeking views on views on whether current legislation should be changed to allow an inquest to be held when a death has occurred abroad and the body has been returned to Northern Ireland.
Currently a coroner in Northern Ireland can only hold an inquest where a body has been 'found' here, or where a death is unexpected, unexplained or occurred in suspicious circumstances. 'Found' is interpreted as involving an element of surprise, meaning a coroner cannot hold an inquest into a death abroad where the body has been returned here.
In the rest of the UK and Ireland, coroners, or the Lord Advocate in Scotland, can investigate a death abroad where a body has been repatriated, although that power is exercised differently in each jurisdiction.
Minister Long said: "Losing a loved one, no matter the circumstances, is difficult and traumatic for families. That is only compounded when it happens far from home.
"There may be rare occasions when families are not satisfied with an investigation into their loved one's death in another country, and may wish to have an investigation by a coroner in Northern Ireland.
"However, I recognise the significant difficulties that holding an inquest into a death abroad would present in practice, given that a coroner in Northern Ireland has no powers in another country to require the production of documents or the attendance of witnesses. A local post mortem is also made more complex if there has already been a post mortem abroad.
"Therefore we need to fully consider the options, balancing the wish to have an inquest into a death abroad alongside the need for it to be effective in providing meaningful answers about the death."
There is existing legislation contained in section 49(1) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 which could confer power on a Northern Ireland coroner to hold an inquest into a death abroad. However it has not been commenced because of the practical difficulties in doing so.
The consultation seeks views on a number of different options that would provide coroners in Northern Ireland with a statutory power to undertake an investigation into such deaths.
The consultation opens today and will run for eight weeks, closing on 22 December.
Currently a coroner in Northern Ireland can only hold an inquest where a body has been 'found' here, or where a death is unexpected, unexplained or occurred in suspicious circumstances. 'Found' is interpreted as involving an element of surprise, meaning a coroner cannot hold an inquest into a death abroad where the body has been returned here.
In the rest of the UK and Ireland, coroners, or the Lord Advocate in Scotland, can investigate a death abroad where a body has been repatriated, although that power is exercised differently in each jurisdiction.
Minister Long said: "Losing a loved one, no matter the circumstances, is difficult and traumatic for families. That is only compounded when it happens far from home.
"There may be rare occasions when families are not satisfied with an investigation into their loved one's death in another country, and may wish to have an investigation by a coroner in Northern Ireland.
"However, I recognise the significant difficulties that holding an inquest into a death abroad would present in practice, given that a coroner in Northern Ireland has no powers in another country to require the production of documents or the attendance of witnesses. A local post mortem is also made more complex if there has already been a post mortem abroad.
"Therefore we need to fully consider the options, balancing the wish to have an inquest into a death abroad alongside the need for it to be effective in providing meaningful answers about the death."
There is existing legislation contained in section 49(1) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 which could confer power on a Northern Ireland coroner to hold an inquest into a death abroad. However it has not been commenced because of the practical difficulties in doing so.
The consultation seeks views on a number of different options that would provide coroners in Northern Ireland with a statutory power to undertake an investigation into such deaths.
The consultation opens today and will run for eight weeks, closing on 22 December.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
22 November 2024
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
Mobile Gaming Trends in Northern Ireland
Mobile gaming has become an integral part of the entertainment landscape in Northern Ireland, encompassing everything from sports betting and online gambling to video games. As technology advances, particularly with the advent of 5G, the mobile gaming sector is poised for significant growth and transformation.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
18 November 2024
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
