asked the Minister for Defence if he will outline the circumstances in which a prisoner was found dead in a cell in the Curragh detention centre on 8 March 1983 within two weeks of a refusal to grant him parole to attend his mother's funeral; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

(Dún Laoghaire): The prisoner in question was found dead in his bed when the prisoners' cells were unlocked at 7.30 a.m. on 8 March 1983. In accordance with the relevant regulations, the coroner and the Garda Síochána were notified without delay. An inquest will be held. Pending the result of the inquest it would not be appropriate for me to make any comment in the matter.

: Is the Minister satisfied that regulations governing the safety of prisoners in custody are being implemented and are adequate to ensure the safety of prisoners?

(Dún Laoghaire): That is a separate question but to the best of my knowledge I am quite satisfied that is the case.