asked the Minister for Justice if he proposes to implement the recommendations of the Barra Ó Briain Committee; with particular regard to the recommendation on the treatment of suspects while in custody.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Treatment of Suspects.
10.
I issued a statement in conjunction with the publication of the Ó Briain Report indicating the Government's acceptance of the report's recommendations subject to certain exceptions and reservations that were outlined in the statement.
The recommendations, in so far as they relate to the treatment of persons detained in Garda custody, have been implemented to the extent provided for in the Government decision.
Arising out of the Minister's knowledge of the recent Breathnach case and Ó Briain Report, does the Minister propose to take any action in the context of the helpful proposals of the Barra Ó Briain Report which would ensure that a similar situation would not recur?
The Deputy may not bring in an individual.
The individual is an example.
It is a completely separate question.
Does the Minister intend to take any action on the issue I have mentioned?
There may not be anything wrong in the Deputy asking a separate question but he should have considered what is involved in the question before he asked me to answer it.
The Chair has ruled that this is a completely separate question which does not arise from the question on the Order Paper.
I do not agree with the Chair's ruling, but would the Minister refrain from this parsimonious lecturing he has been going on with? Does he propose to take any action arising from the specific recommendations of the Ó Briain Committee in relation to the treatment of suspects while in custody, in line with his expressed concern during three years in Opposition when he said he would implement such proposals if he got a chance?
That is an entirely separate question. I apologise to the Deputy if I appear to be lecturing him.
It is worse if the Minister does not know it.