Michael Bowler (70) from Tallaght was found dead in his hospital bed on Good Friday.

He had been admitted suffering from breathing problems arising from a serious lung condition.

When a staff member noticed he was deceased, an examination was carried out and a large amount of tissue was found to be lodged in his windpipe. Hospital authorities called the garda� and a team of detectives from Mountjoy station are investigating the incident. A post-mortem took place on Bowler's remains the following morning but the result was inconclusive and the cause of death has not been ascertained. Detectives are awaiting the results of further tests carried out on the body.

A spokesperson for the Mater said that the hospital is cooperating with garda� in its investigation.

Bowler was a long-term patient at St Brendan's psychiatric facility and was separated with children. He was transferred to the Mater four days before he died.