Constitutionality of legislation on inquests faces legal challenge

A challenge to the constitutionality of part of the Coroners Act 1962 is to be mounted by the family of a young man who died having visited his general practitioner and several hospitals shortly before his death.

The family of Stephen Keeler (29) have been told that the Act will allow medical evidence from just two medical witnesses during an inquest.

But the family's solicitor, Michael Finucane, told The Irish Times that "the inquiry that the family are anxious to have conducted would mean calling more than two doctors."

Dublin City Coroner Dr Brian Farrell has previously called for the legislation to be changed and highlighted during many inquests the limitations imposed by section 26 (2) of the Coroners Act.