People with Intellectual Disabilities as Accused Persons in the Irish Policing Interface

This chapter sets out the policy context for people with intellectual disabilities interfacing with police as accused persons in Ireland. Against a backdrop of relevant international obligations, it outlines recent research-based developments in this field. It further sets out to discuss domestic safeguards that shape the treatment of individuals at this interface. It discusses five key safeguards in this context: access to a solicitor, right to medical assistance, access to specialist interviewers, the responsible adult safeguard, and accessible information. Recommendations are made to offer policymakers a blueprint for legislative and procedural reform that promises to align Irish criminal procedure with the human rights exigencies mandated under international conventions.