Garda Investigations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2004

Tuesday, 27 January 2004

Ceisteanna (776)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

898 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 who died in Garda custody on 17 June 2003; if his attention has further been drawn to an investigation carried out into their death; if his attention has further been drawn to any contact between the Garda and the deceased's family since this incident; if it is normal procedure for the Garda to keep families up to date on the process of investigations like this; if his attention has further been drawn to any toxicology examination carried out on this person; when the results are expected to be released; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1799/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I am informed by the Garda authorities that the person referred to in the Deputy's question was found dead in Garda custody at Tallaght Garda station on 17 June, 2003, and that following the person's death a senior Garda officer from a different Garda division was appointed to investigate the death. The investigation team recently made further contact with the deceased's widow and brother and apprised them of the status of the investigation. I am also informed that the deceased's brother undertook to inform other family members of the status of the investigation.

I am further informed that the investigation team are currently awaiting a post-mortem examination report from the State pathologist in respect of her examination. It is understood that the State pathologist is currently awaiting a toxicology report from the State laboratory.