100 prisoners ‘tried to kill themselves’
The majority of those who tried to kill themselves (95%) were aged between 15 and 39. The annual report of the National Parasuicide Registry found the most common form of self harm was cutting, followed by hanging. It also found drug overdose was rare because of the “restricted access” to medicines in prisons.
Of the 107 inmates who attempted suicides, 19 tried to kill themselves more than once. The rate of repetition among female prisoners (29.2%) was twice that of males (14.5%). The monthly average suicide attempts was 12.
A spokesman for the Irish Prison Service said attempted suicide among prisoners was often linked to drug addiction and difficulties coping without drugs in jail.
“In a number of cases, prisoners have a drug problem and have other difficulties in their lives as well,” he said.
Parasuicide rates were highest in the Dochas Centre, the new female prison next to Mountjoy, which houses approximately 100. The Irish Prison Service spokesman described the centre as “almost an apartment-type complex” where prisoners have a greater degree of freedom than more traditional prison buildings.
Suicide attempts were also high in the Midlands Prison, the most modern prison in the country, which houses 440 inmates. Wheatfield, which focuses on giving prisoners training and job qualifications, ranked third.
Fort Mitchell on Spike Island, which faces closure in the row over overtime pay, has the second lowest parasuicide rate. Arbour Hill, home to sex offenders, has the lowest. Prisoners there tend to be older, which ties in the statistic that parasuicide is more prevalent among younger age groups.
Suicide attempts increased during the day and peaked late at night.
Of 144 suicide attempts, 75 involved self-cutting by males and 27 by females. Males were involved in 22 hanging attempts, compared to a female figure of three. Drug overdose and poisoning were factors in others.
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