27th May 2003
390. Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of people who died by suicide in Irish prisons and in Garda custody in 2000, 2001, 2002 and to date in 2003. [14416/03]
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell): The numbers of deaths in Irish prisons attributed to suicide for the specified periods are as follows: 2000, three; 2001, one; 2002, four; and 2003, one. The information in relation to the number of suicides in Garda custody is not readily available and I will forward it to the Deputy when it comes to hand.
Respect for rights in the penal system with prison as a last resort.