Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Nov 1998

Vol. 495 No. 7

Written Answers. - UK Police Investigation.

John McGuinness

Ceist:

180 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will raise with the British Ambassador or the British Government the circumstances surrounding the death of a person (details supplied) at a nursing home in England; if his Department will determine the way in which the police search was conducted and the reason it was called off on the fourth night into the search; if he will investigate the manner in which the family was treated by the police authorities and hospital staff; the reason no one has officially contacted the family to give an explanation; and if he will seek a report from the hospital regarding its attitude to the incident in view of the cost of care at £1,600 per week and the guarantee of security given to the family. [21314/98]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I wish to extend to the relatives of this man my sincere sympathy, particularly because of the tragic circumstances in which he died.

The embassy in London has drawn the attention of the Home Office to this case and to the dissatisfaction of the family at the manner in which the search was conducted and has requested that the matter be examined. It is open to the family or their solicitor also to make formal complaints to the independent Police Complaints Authority and-or to the relevant health authority. The coroner, through the inquest, may assist the family to get answers to some of their questions.

It is these authorities in Britain which are in a position to investigate matters such as those mentioned by the Deputy. Neither the Department of Foreign Affairs nor the embassy can themselves do so. In view of the possibility of legal proceedings, it is important that proper procedures be observed. The Department and the embassy will remain in contact with the family and the solicitor and give them as much assistance and support as they can.