Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2012
452. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a standard Garda protocol or policy for dealing with sudden death, suicide, homicide and death in suspicious circumstances; if Gardaí have access to this; and if this is available to the public. [56199/12]
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.
