Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 399: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to put in place an independent system for the investigation of deaths in prison. [35574/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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All deaths in prison custody are the subject of a Garda investigation and an inquest held in a Coroner's Court. The cause of death is determined by a jury on the basis of the information presented to the Court. There are also procedures in place within the Irish Prison Service for the investigation of deaths in custody. New procedures have been drawn up which will be supported by changes to the Prison Rules. Investigations will be conducted by independent persons who will undertake an investigation into all deaths in prison. The Irish Prison Service has, on an administrative basis, put in place an independent process for the investigation of deaths in prison in advance of the matter being placed on a statutory footing. This independent investigative system has been in place since March 2011.