Vol. 485 No. 1
94 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the full circumstances surrounding the death of a person (details supplied) in Limerick prison on 20 November 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22521/97]
95 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the statement if any, which was issued by him on the death of a person (details supplied) in Limerick prison on 20 November 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22522/97]
96 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a person (details supplied) who died in Limerick prison was receiving treatment for alcoholism and drug addiction; if he was being kept under observation; the extent of that observation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22523/97]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94, 95 and 96 together.
The Coroner's inquest into the death of the person referred to by the Deputy has not yet been held. At 4.25 a.m. on 21 November 1997 an officer found the deceased hanging from the window in his cell. Two officers entered the cell and removed the ligature from his neck. The medical orderly attempted to revive him but failed.
The Garda, ambulance service, a doctor and a priest were alerted. The doctor pronounced him dead at 5.10 a.m. and the remains were removed to the Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle, at 6.05 a.m. The offender was being observed every hour.
This death, like any other death in custody, is the subject of a Garda investigation and an inquest. In addition, the circumstances of each death are examined by the suicide awareness group in each prison. These examinations fully cover the background and circumstances of each death. Their objective is to identify, where possible, measures which might be taken to contribute to the prevention of such tragic deaths in the future. My Department's press officer issued a statement which contained the above information on 21 November 1997.
