Joe Costello
Question:468 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the circumstances surrounding the death of a person (details supplied). [26357/03]
Written Answers. - Prison Suicides.
I wish to express my sincere sympathy to the family of the person referred to by the Deputy.
The Director General of the Prison Service has informed me that the deceased was serving sentences totalling 19 months and that he was due for release in April 2004. At approximately 6.30 a.m. on the date in question, a prison officer discovered him in an apparent state of unconsciousness while hanging from a cell window. The officer concerned called for assistance and the deceased was immediately cut down and medical assistance administered. A Dublin City Fire Brigade ambulance brought the person to the Mater Hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical staff shortly after 7 a.m.
As with all deaths in custody, an inquest will be held into this death at a Coroner's Court. The cause of death will be determined by a jury on the basis of the information presented to the court.