Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2012
335. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will update Dáil Éireann on the protocol that is in place for an Garda Síochána in circumstances where its members are dealing with situations of sudden death, homicide, suicide and deaths in suspicious circumstances. [55458/12]
View answerI am informed by the Garda authorities that the protocol for An Garda Síochána for dealing with situations of sudden death or deaths of unknown causes is set out in the Coroners Act 1962. It is Garda policy to appoint a Family Liaison Officer to act as a liaison with the family of victims of murder, manslaughter, homicide, kidnapping, victims of fatal traffic collisions and in relation to crimes which result in life changing injuries or other crimes where the District Officer (Superintendent) deems it necessary to appoint a liaison officer. The Family Liaison Officer will provide the immediate family with timely and accurate information on the progress of a Garda investigation.
