Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 148: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the policy and procedures that gardaí must follow in relation to detainees who self harm or attempt suicide while in Garda custody. [10544/09]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 149: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the case in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; if he will provide a Garda report into the circumstances of the detention; if the gardaí on duty that night followed all policy and procedures in relation to these type of unfortunate incidents; the reason no medical help was sought for the person; and the reason the person's family was not notified of his attempt on his life while in Garda custody. [10545/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.

The treatment of persons in custody in Garda stations is governed by the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations, 1987. The objective of the Regulations is to ensure that members of the Garda Síochána act with due respect for the dignity and personal rights of persons in custody. The Regulations include provision for the assignment of a member of the Garda Síochána in each Garda station to be responsible for ensuring that the treatment of persons in custody is in accordance with the Regulations.

The responsibilities conferred by the Regulations on members include provisions which are designed to ensure the welfare of persons in custody and to ensure that persons receive medical treatment from a doctor where necessary (regulation 21). Failure to comply with the Regulations on the part of a member of the Garda Síochána constitutes a breach of discipline. In relation to the specific case referred to by the Deputy, I have asked the Garda authorities for the information requested and I will respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.