Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 April 2019
132. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the death of a person (details supplied); his views regarding unanswered questions of the family regarding the circumstances surrounding the death in Garda custody; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18051/19]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the circumstances of the death of the person concerned, which occurred in St James's Hospital, were investigated by GSOC in view of the fact that the person had been in Garda custody earlier on the day of his death. This was in accordance with standard operating procedure. Subsequent to the GSOC investigation, a file was prepared for the DPP and a recommendation to prosecute the arresting Garda member was made. Following a trial in 2011, the Garda member was acquitted on all charges.
The matter raised in the Deputy’s question is the subject of recent correspondence to me from a member of the deceased person’s family. That correspondence is being considered in my Department. When I have ascertained the relevant facts I will respond to the family. I am not, therefore, in a position at this stage to provide any further information to the Deputy.
