Minister for Justice Michael McDowell has received a report on the death of 14-year-old Brian Rossiter, who slipped into a coma while in Garda custody in Clonmel, Co Tipperary in September 2002.
Mr McDowell requested the report after the family of the dead boy raised concerns about his treatment during custody.
The Minister and his officials are believed to be focusing on two areas initially. The first is the justification for holding the boy overnight, despite the consent of his father. The second focus is the lack of medical attention received by the boy, despite his being groggy and disorientated.
Brian Rossiter was involved in a row with an older man in the town around September 8th, 2002, during which he received a black eye. He was also complaining of headaches.
Two days later he was arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of having committed public order offences following the breaking of windows in the town.
His father Pat Rossiter said he consented to his son being held overnight in custody at the time because he felt that a "short, sharp shock" would teach him a lesson.
Gardaí told him Brian had overdosed on alcohol and ecstasy, but two toxicology tests showed no alcohol or drugs in his system.
Shane Murphy SC has begun his review of papers in relation to the wrongful arrest and charging of Dean Lyons with the double murder of two women in Grangegorman in March 1997.