Causes of death in jail or on temporary release include illness, suicide and overdoses
There was a significant increase last year in the number of inmates dying in Irish prisons or while on temporary release.
According to unreleased figures seen by The Irish Times, 22 people died last year while in the custody of the Irish Prison Service. This compares to 14 each for 2014 and 2013.
All deaths of inmates, either in the country’s 14 prisons or while on temporary release, are investigated by the Inspector of Prisons, Judge Michael Reilly.
Judge Reilly said investigations are still continuing into 10 of the 22 deaths last year.
Of the 12 investigation reports released so far, six related to deaths on temporary release. Two prisoners died of overdoses shortly after being freed, while another was shot dead shortly after release.
Of the deaths in prisons, the judge found one inmate likely took his own life, four died from overdoses and two died from physical illnesses.
Since 2011, 11 inmates have taken their own lives in prison, according to the reports. Judge Reilly has repeatedly raised concerns about the monitoring of vulnerable or suicidal prisoners. He has voiced frustration recommendations made by him to avoid future deaths are not taken on board.
Source: Conor Gallagher, The Irish Times, 23/05/16
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