asked the Minister for Justice the number of deaths in prisons so far this year; if, in view of the recent numbers of deaths particularly by suicide, he intends to introduce any new measures to identify and monitor prisoners at risk; if, in view of the restricted nature of the coroner's inquest, he will consider establishing a broader inquiry to examine the background and circumstances of recent prison deaths and to make recommendations for preventive measures to avoid future deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Deaths in Prison.
48.
Regrettably, six people have died in prison custody this year.
I made quite a lengthy statement to this House on 23 June 1988 in reply to a number of questions which raised issues similar to those referred to in this question. As I said on that occasion, every effort is made by the prison authorities to identify offenders who may be at risk and, where such offenders are identified, they are given special attention by prison staff with the specific objective of minimising the risk of self-injury. Vigilance on the part of prison staff and of those who work in the support services in the various institutions clearly has a key part to play in this matter and I am satisfied that all concerned are fully aware of their responsibilities in this area.
A report on each death is carefully examined within my Department with a view to establishing whether there was any action that might have been taken that might have helped to bring a risk to notice or that might have lessened any risk that was known to exist in the particular case. Careful attention is given to previous cases to see if it is possible to identify patterns of behaviour which might suggest some new line of preventive action. Any measure of this nature that can be taken is, of course, taken immediately. This examination fully covers the background and circumstances of all prison deaths and seeks as its specific objective to identify means by which future tragic deaths of this nature can be prevented. I do not see that any form of inquiry in addition to that and the public inquiry by way of inquest which is held in all cases, would serve any useful purpose.