Figures released to Aontú, following a parliamentary question, show that since 2012, 115 people have died while in custody in the state. Suicide has been cited as the cause of death in 13%; 9.5% have died by misadventure while an inquest is still pending in 50% of cases.
Aontú leader and Meath West TD, Peadar Tóibín, said there is an "upward trend" in prison deaths and it is a scenario he is deeply concerned about. He also highlighted that 69 people have died - over the last 10 years - while on temporary release from prison.
Deputy Tóibín added that he has been given "serious information" by prison officers about slack standards, corruption, drug dealing, lack of control and threats made against them. He continued; "I have raised these concerns in the Dáil with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Justice. I had stated openly to each of these people that lives will be lost if the Government does not intervene to fix this crisis.
"But none of these Government ministers have been willing to open what they consider to be a Pandora's Box. If the Minister does not get to grips with what's happening, there will be deaths among prison staff also."
