asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that a charge of murder was informally made against a person in County Clare (name supplied) in respect of the accidental death of his brother in April, 1972; that he was interrogated in an intimidating fashion for long periods and that the consequent distress could have been avoided if the Garda had expedited or waited on the post mortem result; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clare Death.
44.
I do not understand what precisely the Deputy has in mind when he refers to a charge of murder being informally made.
I understand that the deceased person's injuries were of such a nature that the pathologist's post mortem examination did not indicate conclusively that there had been no foul play and it was only after a thorough investigation had been carried out and statements taken from a total of 60 persons, including the brother of the deceased, that the Garda were able to satisfy themselves that there had been no foul play.
No charge was at any stage preferred against the brother of the deceased man and the Garda deny that he was questioned in an intimidating fashion.