asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a prisoner attempted to commit suicide in Mountjoy Prison on 12 November 1989 and was in intensive care; to the fact that another prisoner committed suicide on 14 November 1989; the steps he is taking to prevent a recurrence; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Suicide of Prisoner.
121.
My attention has been drawn to the matters referred to by the Deputy and the appropriate authorities are carrying out a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding both incidents and an inquest will be held into the death which took place.
Offenders who are identified as being at risk are given special attention by prison staff with the specific objective of minimising the risk of self-injury. Special vigilance is exercised by prison staff and those who work in the support services at the institutions but unfortunately there is no fail-safe way by which all potential suicide victims can be identified and there are limits to what the prison authorities can reasonably do to prevent all attempts at suicide.
Reports of all deaths in prisons are examined by Governors and in my Department to see whether the circumstances suggest any procedure or course of action that might usefully be introduced in an effort to forestall similar tragedies. As part of this process the research psychologist attached to the prisons division of my Department has, in recent months, been giving priority to research into the problems of deaths in prison.
I announced last week that I am establishing an advisory group — comprised of representatives of various disciplines involved with the care of prisoners — to specifically examine the issue of deaths in prisons and to make recommendations in relation to any aspect of this matter. There will be full consultation with those — including staff representatives — who may be in a position to help in this work and I have asked the group to conduct their task with the necessary sense of urgency.