Written answers

Tuesday, 17 February 2004

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Prison Deaths

10:00 pm

Photo of Seán PowerSeán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 453: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a statement could be issued outlining the cause of death of a prisoner (details supplied) in St. Patrick's Institution on 13 December 2003; the procedure for informing families of death while in prison; and if these procedures were followed in this case. [4630/04]

Photo of Michael McDowellMichael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The person referred to by the Deputy was found in his bed by prison staff at St. Patrick's Institution at 8.20 a.m. on 13 December 2003. He was examined in the cell by the prison doctor who pronounced death. In common with all deaths in prison custody, the cause of death is a matter to be determined by a coroner's court. I understand that the Dublin city coroner will inform the family of the deceased of the time and venue of the inquest.

It is the Irish Prison Service's practice to have a deceased prisoner's family informed of the death in custody as soon as possible. Where possible, this information is relayed face-to-face by the prison chaplain or through a local clergyman who has been contacted by the prison chaplain. However, in cases where there is distance involved, the practice to inform the family of the death as soon as possible necessitates that contact may sometimes be made by telephone. The Irish Prison Service has informed me that, in this instance, the prison chaplaincy service contacted the family by telephone.

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