Dr. Richard O'Flaherty:

We can thank the former Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Alan Shatter, for much of the new legislation, as it was introduced in response to the submission made to him in October by Justice for All.

On the issue of doctors visiting Garda stations, in cases where gardaí contact a doctor on the list, the doctor in question will not know anything about the history of the patient, who could have a cardiac problem, diabetes or an allergy. This is dynamite. A structure should be in place whereby doctors are appointed with the agreement of the Irish Medical Organisation, the Department of Health and the Garda Commissioner. These doctors should be specified, as is the case with coroners, and should be required to contact the general practitioner of the person in custody to obtain medical information. Deaths are occurring in Garda stations through lack of care and a breakdown of medical connections between the doctor who cares for the patient at home and the doctor who visits him or her in custody for five or ten minutes under artificial conditions.