Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 14 February 2018

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality

Garda Homicide Statistics: Discussion

10:30 am

Dr. Gurchand Singh:

When we were looking at the State Pathologist's reports, we were looking not only at the classification issues but also at other issues that were being raised, possible issues concerning the investigation. We flagged these up with a view to looking at them. The initial review did go out and ask those who had conducted the investigations about the questions asked. My understanding was that subsequently the investigation files were sought and drawn back in centrally for review. Again, this review process was separate to the analysis. I think the Policing Authority then raised the issue with us to ask, again, whether we should have this peer-reviewed with a senior investigating officer, which is sensible enough and a fair enough suggestion. This was then agreed to, and those are the beginnings of this new process.