HC Deb 08 June 1999 vol 332 c255W
Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will request the Police Complaints Authority to report to him on the circumstances of the death of Diarmuid O'Neill under section 97(1) of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984; and if he will lay the report before Parliament. 85340]

Mr. Straw

It is for the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) to decide, under section 79(2) of the Police Act 1996 (previously section 97(2) of the 1984 Act), whether to make a report on any matters which they consider should be brought to my attention by reason of their gravity or other exceptional circumstances. I am not aware of any plans to make such a report on the case of Diarmuid O'Neill.

I can only call for a report on such matters relating generally to the PCA's functions. It does not allow me to call for a report on a specific investigation.

The circumstances of Mr. O'Neill's death will be the subject of a coroner's inquest currently being scheduled.