Garda cases at risk over doctor shortfall

GARDA investigations could be jeopardised by the falling number of doctors able and willing to work for the Garda Síochána, it was claimed yesterday.

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) and the Professor of Forensic and Legal Medicine at UCD, Denis Cusack, said the State had put no system in place to deal with the drop-off in doctors assisting garda investigations, despite warnings from them.

Doctors involved in garda work carry out examinations in sexual assault and drink-driving cases, deal with people with mental health difficulties and provide medication to people in custody.