Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 23 May 1990

Vol. 399 No. 1

Written Answers. - Investigation Procedure.

Michael Noonan

Ceist:

71 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Justice regarding the death of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick, if he will provide the following details: (a) when the Garda were informed of her death, (b) by whom they were informed, (c) whether the Garda were informed of the name of the doctor who issued a medical certificate on the cause of death, (d) if so, his name and (e) the name of the coroner who informed the Garda that a death certificate was being issued.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

The circumstances of the death referred to were investigated by the Garda Síochána and a file on the matter was referred by them to the Director of Public Prosecutions who directed that there should be no further action in relation to criminal proceedings. It is the practice of Ministers for Justice not to divulge details of specific Garda investigations, unless there are circumstances which are deemed to be sufficiently exceptional to warrant a departure from this practice. In line with this practice I do not consider that it would be appropriate for me to provide the detailed information sought in this instance.