asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who died while in Garda custody otherwise than from natural causes in each of the past 10 years; if an inquest was held in each such case; and the verdict in each inquest.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Persons in Garda Custody.
44.
I am informed by the Garda authorities that their records show that, in the last ten years, 12 persons died from causes other than natural causes while in Garda custody, or while in hospital or en route to hospital after having been in Garda custody. Inquests into ten of the 12 deaths have been completed and verdicts have been returned. Details are given in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, will be circulated with the Official Report. In one of the two remaining cases the inquest has been opened and adjourned. The inquest into the other death is to be held on 6 March 1980.
Following is the statement:
|
Date of Death |
Inquest Verdict |
|
1 15th April 1975 |
In accordance with the medical evidence (strangulation). Deceased was found hanging by his shirt from a ventilator grill. |
|
2 10th September 1975 |
In accordance with the medical evidence (strangulation).Deceased was found hanging by a blanket from the bars of a cell window. |
|
3 25th January 1976 |
In accordance with the medical evidence (alcoholic poisoning). |
|
4 1st April 1977 |
Misadventure. Asphyxia, due to inhalation of vomit. |
|
5 9th September 1977 |
Inquest opened and adjourned. |
|
6 4th August 1978 |
In accordance with the medical evidence (coma and cardiorespiratory failure the result of anoxic brain damage, possibly resulting from a combination of drugs and alcohol). |
|
7 8th January 1979 |
Overdose of barbiturates, self-administered. |
|
8 2nd April 1979 |
Respiratory depression caused by overdose of alcohol and barbiturates, self-administered. |
|
9 24th July 1979 |
Inquest to be held on 6th March. |
|
10 22nd August 1979 |
Cerebral anoxia due to suspension by the neck, self-enacted. |
|
11 19th September 1979 |
In accordance with the medical evidence. Found hanged in cell. |
|
12 31st December 1979 |
Asphyxia due to inhalation of vomit. |
Could the Minister give any information about deaths which were adjudged to be from natural causes during the period in question? Are inquests held in these circumstances as well?
I have not that information in my brief but I will inquire into the matter and communicate with the Deputy in the course of a couple of days.