The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell has instructed his officials to prepare for Government approval a bill to amend certain sections of the Coroners Act.
Under the new proposals witnesses who fail to respond to a summons to appear at an inquest would face increased fines. The Coroner could also be given powers to apply to the High Court to compel witness attendance and document production.
According to the Department of Justice, the proposed bill should be regarded as a first step in reassuring the public of the continuing quality of the coroners service.
Among the areas also being looked at for the proposed Coroners (Amendment) Bill is the comparability of witnesses and documents at inquests.
The bill is part of the proposed reform and modernisation of the service.
