Families 'should be told about security when collecting prisoner's belongings'

The Inspector of Prisons report reveals that a mother was notified by a 4am phone call of her son's death in a prison facility

In her recommendations, Inspector of Prisons Patricia Gilheaney said the Irish Prison Service’s management “should ensure that there is clear communication in advance to the family of a deceased person as regards the security requirements placed on them when entering a prison to collect person (sic) belongings.” Photo: Jason Clarke Photography

The Inspector of Prisons has recommended that families of a deceased inmate should be made aware in advance of security measures needed when collecting their loved one’s belongings from prison.

The recommendation by Inspector Patricia Gilheaney followed the death of a prisoner in the Midlands Prison on January 27, 2019. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of the 22-year-old prisoner, identified only as Mr A, was conducted by Ms Gilheaney and included a meeting with the grandparents of the young man.