Coroners Service

Wednesday, 17 September 2025

Ceisteanna (892)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

892. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration further to Parliamentary Question No. 1092 of 19 March 2025, if he will investigate the delay in the publication of the Report of the Inspector of Prisons into the death of a person in Mountjoy Prison on 3 January 2022; if he will acknowledge the distress this is causing the family of the person who are awaiting the publication of the report for a long time in order that an inquest can be held; if he will take steps to expedite the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48442/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

Firstly, I would like to express my condolences to the family concerned on their loss.

I recognise the significance and sensitivity of the investigation process for loved ones, and that delays in any investigation can cause distress for families of the deceased.

I can advise the Deputy that my Department received the Death in Custody Report concerned from the Office of the Inspector of Prisons in July 2025. It is now being reviewed in the Department with a view to publication as soon as possible.

Coroners are independent office holders whose core function is to investigate sudden and unexplained deaths so that a death certificate can be issued. Neither I, as Minister, nor my Department, can interfere with a coroner in the exercise of their statutory functions. Accordingly, a decision to hold an inquest and, thereafter, any decision in respect of the operation of the inquest must rest entirely with the individual coroner.