Richard Bruton
Ceist:43 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice the number of suicides that have occurred in Irish prisons in each of the years from 1988 to 1992; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Prison Suicides.
The numbers of suicides in Irish prisons for the years 1988 to 1992 were as follows: 1988 — 4; 1989 — 5; 1990 — 3; 1991 — 4; 1991 — 4.
I am, of course, very concerned at the level of suicides within prisons and all reasonable steps will continue to be taken to avoid them altogether. Given the random and unpredictable nature of suicides, whether within prisons or outside them, this is clearly a difficult task. The recommendations of the advisory group on prisons deaths published in October 1991 is now the framework for our suicide prevention strategy. Of the 57 recommendations 33 have been implemented and arrangements are in train to implement a further 17. The remaining recommendations are more long term in nature and will be implemented over a period of time. I am satisfied that implementation of these recommendations offers the best hope of success in the future in avoiding suicides.