Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Nov 2002

Vol. 557 No. 4

Written Answers. - Garda Operations.

Seán Crowe

Question:

426 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an allegation of a serious assault by a number of Garda officers on a person (details supplied) in Store Street Garda station during the early hours of 9 November 2002 which resulted in a serious injury to this person's throat requiring five stitches; and if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that during this person's detention the gardaí were forced to bring this person to the Mater Hospital for wounds sustained in Store Street Garda station, that this person alleges serious threats were made against them by a Garda officer, and that this person has lodged a complaint with the Garda Complaints Board. [22556/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I have been informed by local Garda management that the person mentioned by the Deputy was arrested at 3.05 a.m. on 9 November for an offence under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994 and taken to Store Street Garda station. I am further informed that at approximately 4.20 a.m. the person was observed lying on the floor of his cell banging his head on the floor. He was taken to the Mater Hospital for treatment but declined medical attention. He was subsequently returned to the hospital and received treatment for his injury. The person was charged and the case currently stands remanded to 25 November at Dublin District Court. I understand that the requirements of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 (Treatment of persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations, 1987, including the regulation relating to medical assistance, were fully complied with.

I have been informed that the person did not make any complaints or register any complaints under the Garda Síochána Complaints Act at Store Street Garda station. The Deputy indicates the person may have lodged a complaint directly with the Garda Síochána Complaints Board. As the Deputy will be aware, I am precluded under the Garda Síochána (Complaints) Act, 1986, from inquiring or intervening in any way in relation to a complaint before the board.