Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007
131 Deputy Tony Gregory asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will make a comprehensive statement on the case of a person (details supplied) and the family’s request for an enquiry. [22155/07]
View answerThe person in question was arrested around midday on 2 June 2005 in relation to the theft of a motor vehicle and taken to Store Street Garda Station, Dublin. He was found hanging in his cell later that afternoon. He was removed to hospital where he died a little more than three months later.
A Detective Superintendent from outside the relevant Garda Division was appointed immediately after the incident to carry out a detailed investigation into all the circumstances surrounding the deceased person's arrest, detention and removal to hospital. A file in the matter was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions who issued instructions that no prosecution should ensue. On 13 July of this year an inquest into the death returned a verdict of suicide. The deceased person's family were represented at the Inquest and financial assistance was offered to them by my Department in relation to their associated legal costs. Most recently the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission have informed me that they have decided in the public interest to carry out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death as provided for in section 102(4) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
The capacity for independent investigation in the public interest of such tragic deaths was a key objective in the establishment of the Ombudsman Commission and I believe that the Commission must now be left to carry out its independent investigation as speedily and thoroughly as possible.
Finally, I should also mention that a civil action has been initiated by the deceased person's family and this is currently being dealt with by the Garda Síochána in conjunction with my Department.
