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?

I am very to sorry to hear of this case and offer my condolences to his family. As the Deputy outlined, the Office of the Inspector of Prisons makes sure these types of cases and challenges in our prisons are highlighted and, most importantly, addressed. I can certainly raise the case directly with the Minister.

The wider point is that we have too many people in our prison system with mental health problems who should not be in prison. I know from my time in the Department of justice, and having visited prisons and engaged with prisoners, those working in prisons, including prison officers, feel the same. Investment in our new facility in Portrane will open new spaces so that we have fewer people in our prisons. More broadly, it is about making sure that when people leave prison, there is step-down support in the community, so that they do not become like a revolving door, and that mental health supports are provided outside the prison, which includes the wider piece of work the prison task force has been doing on mental health in prisons over the past number of years. While it will take time, it is something we need to continue to focus on and prioritise. I can certainly raise this specific case directly with the Minister.

The Minister will raise it with the relevant Minister. I thank her for that.