Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:170 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice if he intends to take any action to address the ongoing problem of prison suicides, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Prison Suicides.
The report of the advisory group on prison deaths was published in October, 1991. The report contained 57 recommendations which suggested improvements in practice and procedure, staff training, improvements in general facilities for prisoners, the provision of additional institutions, changes in design and so on. To date 26 of these have been implemented including the extension of medical orderly cover, the setting up of suicide prevention groups in each institution, the review of special observation lists, improvements in committal assessment arrangements, introduction of resuscitation equipment, improved psychological services, access to prisons by the Samaritans and so on. In addition new types of specially designed windows, which reduce the risk of suicide have been introduced and will be extended to other prisons in the course of new developments. Arrangements are also in train for the implementation of a further 13 of the recommendations. The remaining recommendations — some of which were envisaged by the advisory group as being long term in nature — are being taken fully into account in the context of overall development in the prison system.