27th May 2003
389. Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of parasuicides in Irish prisons and in Garda custody in 2000, 2001, 2002 and to date in 2003. [14415/03]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): Parasuicide is described as any non-fatal act which an individual deliberately undertakes knowing that it may cause them physical harm or even death. The numbers of incidences of parasuicides in Irish prisons for the specified periods are as follows: 2000, 73; 2001, 73; 2002, 93; and 2003 - to 23 May, 37. The numbers of parasuicides in Garda custody for the specified periods are as follows: 2000, four; 2001, seven; 2002, five; and 2003 - to 23 May, five.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.