asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if any inquiries have been made through the Irish Embassy in London concerning the circumstances of the death of a person (details supplied) in Dublin who was found dead in a cell in Exeter Prison on 8 March, particularly the reasons he was still in custody, having apparently completed his sentence on March 4th; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Prison Death.
496.
The Irish Embassy in London made inquiries about the case and were advised by the British authorities that on 4 February 1985 the person in question was sentenced to one month's imprisonment after which the magistrate recommended that he be deported. An order authorising the prison to detain him after his date of release, to allow for preparation and completion of the deportation order, was also signed.
On 12 March 1985 he was found hanged in his cell. At that time the deportation order was being prepared but had not been signed. Following a post mortem examination the coroner released the body. An inquest will be heard at a later date.