Menu
11/11/2020
Review Of NI Prison's Care and Supervision Units Announced
A review of Care and Supervision Units in Northern Ireland's three prisons has been announced by Justice Minister Naomi Long.
The Minister said: "The Northern Ireland Prison Service has made huge progress in the past number of years. Their work is regularly and robustly scrutinised by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons, as well as the Prisoner Ombudsman. All three prisons have been subject to an unannounced inspection in the last three years and that has included their Care and Supervision Units.
"The most recent inspection at Maghaberry contained no recommendations for the work in that Unit. Indeed inspectors stated, 'staff managed prisoners confidently and were aware of the individual needs of the men in their care. Prisoners we spoke to were complimentary about staff and appreciated the help they received'.
"However I recognise, that due to the nature and purpose of these Units, it is important that periodic reviews are carried out into their use in our prisons. The Prison Service is open and transparent and wants to provide the highest levels of assurance to the wider community.
"Therefore in order to ensure public confidence is maintained and following a request from the Director General, I have agreed to invite the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice Northern Ireland to carry out a thorough review of CSUs across the three prisons."
The Minister said: "The Northern Ireland Prison Service has made huge progress in the past number of years. Their work is regularly and robustly scrutinised by Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland and Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Prisons, as well as the Prisoner Ombudsman. All three prisons have been subject to an unannounced inspection in the last three years and that has included their Care and Supervision Units.
"The most recent inspection at Maghaberry contained no recommendations for the work in that Unit. Indeed inspectors stated, 'staff managed prisoners confidently and were aware of the individual needs of the men in their care. Prisoners we spoke to were complimentary about staff and appreciated the help they received'.
"However I recognise, that due to the nature and purpose of these Units, it is important that periodic reviews are carried out into their use in our prisons. The Prison Service is open and transparent and wants to provide the highest levels of assurance to the wider community.
"Therefore in order to ensure public confidence is maintained and following a request from the Director General, I have agreed to invite the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice Northern Ireland to carry out a thorough review of CSUs across the three prisons."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
21 February 2024
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
