Opening the Conversation: Why HUGG Is Calling for Change in the Coroner’s Court
HUGG is working to spark an open, compassionate conversation about how deaths are recorded in the coroner’s court, and why a change in the burden of proof could make a meaningful difference for families and for suicide prevention in Ireland.
At present, the standard of proof required for a suicide verdict can result in delays and uncertain outcomes. Many families tell us that this prolongs their pain. HUGG’s research shows that unclear or open verdicts, along with long coronial processes, can deepen the emotional toll on those already grieving.
International Evidence and Impact in Ireland
Experiences in other countries show what could happen if the burden of proof were lowered. In England and Wales, when a similar change was introduced, coroners recorded fewer deaths as “undetermined intent” and more as “intentional self-harm,” without any sudden rise in overall deaths. In Ireland, HUGG’s report by Indecon estimated that lowering the burden of proof could increase reported suicide deaths by 20–25%, or 10–20% using more conservative measures. Importantly, this does not mean more people died—only that more deaths were accurately classified.
Better classification matters. Ireland’s National Office for Suicide Prevention found that around 31% of actual suicide deaths may have been misclassified to other categories. More accurate and timely reporting would help identify emerging risks, reduce stigma, and ensure that support reaches bereaved families more quickly—for example, through faster access to interim certificates or targeted assistance.
Our Advocacy and How You Can Engage
HUGG has been actively advocating for these reforms with Mental Health Reform and directly with the Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan. We believe a compassionate update to the coroner’s system would support families and strengthen Ireland’s wider suicide-prevention efforts.
We encourage everyone—families, professionals, and community members—to engage in this discussion. By sharing your views, you can help shape reforms that bring clarity, compassion, and meaningful change.