Coroners still to hold almost half of inquests into prisoner deaths in last 12 years

An inquest into prisoner deaths is mandatory under the European Convention on Human Rights. File picture: Dan Linehan

Almost half of inquests into the deaths of prisoners over the past 12 years have not been heard — including one relating to a death in 2013.

Figures supplied by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee in response to a parliamentary question shows that 61 inquests are pending, while 72 have taken place.