Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 May 2013
472. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is a written protocol that members of an Garda Síochána must follow in incidents of sudden death; if his attention has been drawn to any such protocols used by other police forces in other member states; if he considered implementing such practices here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22483/13]
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.
The Deputy will appreciate that the detailed operational response and policing procedures in situations of sudden death are a matter for the Garda authorities, subject to the Coroners Act and other relevant legislation, as is the question of examination of operational practice in other jurisdictions.
