FG demands explanation of Brian Rossiter charges

Fine Gael is demanding a public explanation of how serious charges were laid against a Co Tipperary man without the authorisation of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The DPP has mounted an internal inquiry into how 25-year-old Noel Hannigan, from Colleen's Close in Clonmel, was charged with manslaughter and assault causing serious harm.

The charges, which were not authorised by the DPP, related to the death of a 14-year-old boy, Brian Rossiter, who was found unconscious in a cell at Clonmel garda station in September 2002.

Fine Gael Senator Maurice Cummins said today that the Minister for Justice and the DPP must publicly reveal who pressed the charges and why.

"The sooner all the facts surrounding this unfortunate matter are made public, the better it will be for all concerned," he said.