The Self-Harm Assessment and Data Analysis (SADA) Project was set up in Ireland in 2016 to provide robust information relating to the incidence and profile of self-harm within prison settings as well as individual-specific and context-specific risk factors relating to self-harm. In addition, it examines patterns of repeat self-harm (both non-fatal and fatal). The Health Service Executive’s National Office for Suicide Prevention and the National Suicide Research Foundation assist the Irish Prison Service with data management, data analysis, and reporting. This article highlights findings from a report presenting data in the analysis of all episodes of self-harm across the Irish prison estate during the year 2018.¹

Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) is an associated office of the Department of Justice delivering comprehensive scientific analysis, independent expert opinion, advice, and training to support the Irish criminal justice system. The analysis of substances that are suspected to contravene the Misuse of Drugs legislation comprises the majority of submitted cases to FSI. Analysis of these cases is carried out by the Chemical Analysis Department in FSI and cases range in both content and complexity.

The first Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Survey was conducted in Ireland in 1998 and has been repeated every four years ever since. In 2018, the study was conducted in Ireland for the sixth time. This survey included 15,557 children aged 8 to 18 years, drawn from a representative sample of 255 primary and post-primary schools across Ireland. Data were collected on general health, social class, smoking, use of alcohol and other substances, food and dietary behaviour, exercise and physical activity, self-care, injuries, bullying, and sexual health behaviours.