Death in Custody Investigation Report published for a death occurring on 15 January 2022

11th July 2024

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) notes the publication of the Office of the Inspector of Prisons’ (OIP) investigation report into the death of Mr C 2020 in Wheatfield Prison and the supporting Irish Prison Service action plan. 

The OIP death in custody tracker shows that the death occured 11 March 2020, the report was sent to the IPS for review and comment on 21 December 2023. It was subsequently sent to the Minister for Justice on 23 Febuary 2024 and published on 11 July 2024.

The OIP made the following recommendations:

• Posters displaying information about the support services/programmes available to prisoners experiencing mental health issues should be rolled-out across the Irish Prison Service estate. Governor grade staff should regularly verify that such posters remain in place.
• The Irish Prison Service should ensure that all staff who are not directly involved in operational or first aid efforts during a medical or other emergency return to their own posts as soon as it is practical. [Repeated Recommendation – see Mr. N 2012].
• Incorrect NoK contact details can cause delays in establishing contact with the families in the case of emergencies. It is recommended that IPS staff verify the nominated NoK at committal by ringing the phone number provided.

Read the OIP report into the death of Mr C 2020.

Read the IPS action plan from the death of Mr C 2020.