I want to address a tragic event that underscores the crisis in our prison system. On 1 April, 45-year-old Colm Connolly died in a padded close observation cell in Midlands Prison. Mr. Connolly was a vulnerable prisoner, diagnosed with severe psychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder. His family, who were denied the opportunity to formally identify his body prior to a post mortem, are seeking transparency regarding his care and subsequent restraint. They received little help other than from Wexford Aontú Councillor Jim Codd. There are currently three separate investigations under way by the Garda, Prison Service and Inspector of Prisons. This fatal incident occurred against the backdrop of a prison system operating severely over capacity. The prison population reached 5,747, a thousand prisoners over capacity. The Office of the Inspector of Prisons has warned that the chronic overcrowding and deteriorating infrastructure is escalating risks for vulnerable prisoners and staff. How can we have prisoners in this overcrowding with acute psychiatric needs? When will the three investigations into the death of Mr. Connolly be complete?
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The Minister will raise it with the relevant Minister. I thank her for that.
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