Sharp rise in Irish prison inmate deaths

There was a sharp rise in prison inmate deaths from 14 in 2014 and 2013 to 22 in 2015, The Irish Times reports.

Unreleased figures seen by the newspaper reveal the recent rise in deaths, each of which are investigated by Prisons Inspector Judge Michael Reilly.

The numbers include both prisoners and those who are on temporary release. Judge Reilly said investigations are continuing into 10 of last year’s 22 deaths.

A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said: “Prison staff are regularly reminded of the need to adhere to standard operating procedures and protocols. Any failure to adhere to these is investigated by the Governor and the governor will then take appropriate action including disciplinary action if required.”

Deirdre Malone, director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT), added: “Repetition of identified poor practice is inexcusable, can create a culture of impunity, and exacerbates the grief of families. If there can be any positive legacy it must be an assurance to bereaved families that lessons will be learned from their loss and future deaths averted.”