Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 1991

Vol. 412 No. 1

Written Answers. - Garda Station Fatality.

Mervyn Taylor

Question:

101 Mr. Taylor asked the Minister for Justice if he will make a statement regarding the death which took place in Clondalkin Garda station on 18 September 1991 outlining the findings of the investigation of the Garda authorities into the circumstances of the death.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

I think it appropriate that I should preface my reply to this question by again expressing my sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased.

The method prescribed by law for inquiry into the circumstances of a death such as this is a coroner's inquest, which of course is a sworn inquiry. The holding of an inquest is mandatory in any case where the coroner is of the opinion that a death may have occurred in a violent or unnatural manner or suddenly and from unknown causes and I have been informed that arrangements are in train to have an inquest held in this case.

I have been informed by the Garda authorities that the circumstances surrounding the death are at present the subject of a Garda investigation under the direction of a Garda superintendent. The Garda report will, of course, be made available to the inquest.

In the circumstances the House will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to make any comment on this matter at this stage.