Organisation: Office of the Inspector of Prisons

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p> The family of Andrew Gearns, including brother Evan, sister Jemma, and mother Aideen, departing Cork Courthouse after the conclusion of the inquest into the death of Andrew Gearns, who died in custody of the Irish Prison Service at Cork Prison. Picture: Larry Cummins</p>

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Call for independent review of medical care in Cork Prison after death in custody

A jury made the recommendation at the inquest into the death of Andrew Gearns, 29

<p>The OIP noted that 13 checks were subsequently carried out that day on Andrew Gearns before he was found in an unresponsive state in Cork Prison. Picture: Eddie O'Hare</p>

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Prison Service urged to assess use of anti-ligature furniture in cells after Cork death

Call comes after a father of two was found unresponsive in his cell as a result of an attempted suicide and died eight days later at Cork University Hospital

<p>All prisoners on a Special Observation List are required to be checked every 15 minutes with the assistant chief officer in charge of each division to ensure that officers in charge of landings are in possession of the latest copy of the Special Observation List at the start of each tour of duty. File picture</p>

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Confusion among prison staff enabled inmate to take his own life, watchdog finds

There were conflicting reports over the provision to prison officers of a list of inmates who had been placed under special observation.

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Prisoner found dead in cell after 11 days on the run

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Ill prisoner should have been checked more often by prison staff

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Calls to cut prison numbers more to protect from Covid-19

Charlie Flanagan may boost prison watchdog

Charlie Flanagan, the justice minister, is considering requests by the Inspector of Prisons for extra resources, staffing, and powers.

Fri, 21 Jun, 2019

Minister expresses ‘grave concern’ over prison deaths in internal correspondence

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan has expressed “grave concern” at the handling of deaths in prisons, according to internal prison service correspondence seen by the Irish Examiner.

Wed, 24 Apr, 2019

Concern over prison death records

More than two-thirds of investigations into the deaths of vulnerable prisoners since 2012 have raised concerns about “misleading” or inaccurate record-keeping by prison staff, and the care afforded to inmates who have suicidal ideation and mental health problems.

Tue, 07 Aug, 2018

Prison watchdog warns on drugs in Mountjoy after inmate died after accidental overdose in cell

The prisons inspections watchdog has warned that the availability of illicit drugs in Mountjoy Prison “continues to be a matter of serious concern” following the apparent accidental overdose of an inmate.

Thu, 19 Jul, 2018

Cork Prison staff disciplined for filing ‘misleading’ records

Prison staff in Cork were disciplined after it was discovered they filed “misleading and inaccurate” records about the care afforded to a vulnerable inmate on the night he died.

Fri, 30 Mar, 2018

UN body told of failings in the oversight of Irish prisons

The UN torture committee has been told of failings in the oversight of Irish prisons, the investigation of complaints of ill treatment and prison healthcare.

Fri, 21 Jul, 2017

Mountjoy closure proposed in prisons bill

THE proposed closure of the oldest and largest prison in the country, Mountjoy, is highlighted in the new prisons bill which was published last evening.

Wed, 15 Nov, 2006

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