Menu
12/12/2007
MPs Urge End Of Segregation As New NI Gaol Is Planned
Rival paramilitary factions should not be housed in separate prison wings any longer.
Members of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster have acknowledged that, while a certain degree of controlled movement was still needed, the current segregated regime was hampering education and recreation opportunities for some prisoners.
The committee also said the government must take immediate action to improve prison buildings which are in a bad state of repair.
While an announcement on a new £200m jail is expected next week, the MPs are set to back plans for a completely new gaol to be located near the existing facility at Magilligan, near Coleraine.
They said that rebuilding on the site would "capitalise on the accumulated experience and many areas of good practice there".
Another kind of 'segregation' has however been given the thumbs up, with the MPs seeking a prison solely for women too, and adding that "further investment in short-term solutions at the shared Hydebank Wood site – near Belfast - is not an adequate response to this issue".
Welcoming the report, NIO Prisons Minister, Paul Goggins said a review of services for female offenders was already underway with a report due next summer.
"I thank the committee sincerely for their efforts in producing this report - I will give it due consideration and make a full response within the next two months," he said.
The committee also made a number of additional recommendations and welcomed the transfer of responsibility for prison healthcare to the health service, and urged the government and MLAs to ensure this process is completed soon.
The committee also said that the high proportion of remand prisoners "represents another unjustifiable burden" and called for a review of why the criminal justice process is so slow in Northern Ireland.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Members of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster have acknowledged that, while a certain degree of controlled movement was still needed, the current segregated regime was hampering education and recreation opportunities for some prisoners.
The committee also said the government must take immediate action to improve prison buildings which are in a bad state of repair.
While an announcement on a new £200m jail is expected next week, the MPs are set to back plans for a completely new gaol to be located near the existing facility at Magilligan, near Coleraine.
They said that rebuilding on the site would "capitalise on the accumulated experience and many areas of good practice there".
Another kind of 'segregation' has however been given the thumbs up, with the MPs seeking a prison solely for women too, and adding that "further investment in short-term solutions at the shared Hydebank Wood site – near Belfast - is not an adequate response to this issue".
Welcoming the report, NIO Prisons Minister, Paul Goggins said a review of services for female offenders was already underway with a report due next summer.
"I thank the committee sincerely for their efforts in producing this report - I will give it due consideration and make a full response within the next two months," he said.
The committee also made a number of additional recommendations and welcomed the transfer of responsibility for prison healthcare to the health service, and urged the government and MLAs to ensure this process is completed soon.
The committee also said that the high proportion of remand prisoners "represents another unjustifiable burden" and called for a review of why the criminal justice process is so slow in Northern Ireland.
(BMcC/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 May 2024
'Significant Reduction' In Crime Across Northern Ireland
The PSNI have recorded a "significant reduction" in crime across all districts in Northern Ireland in the last year. Deputy Chief Constable Chris Todd welcomed the decrease in recorded crime, but also raised over the service's ability to "repeat such a strong performance" without finding sustainable funding.
'Significant Reduction' In Crime Across Northern Ireland
The PSNI have recorded a "significant reduction" in crime across all districts in Northern Ireland in the last year. Deputy Chief Constable Chris Todd welcomed the decrease in recorded crime, but also raised over the service's ability to "repeat such a strong performance" without finding sustainable funding.
07 May 2024
Other News In Brief
Man Arrested In Connection With Racially-Motivated Hate Crime A 30-year-old man has been arrested by detectives investigation reports of online threats towards an individual in L'Derry. The report is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime.
Other News In Brief
Man Arrested In Connection With Racially-Motivated Hate Crime A 30-year-old man has been arrested by detectives investigation reports of online threats towards an individual in L'Derry. The report is being treated as a racially-motivated hate crime.
24 October 2011
Six Months Prison Reform 'Critical', Says Ford
Prison reform in Northern Ireland is now at a turning point. According to the NI Justice Minister David Ford, a new report by the Prison Review Team is a watershed for the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
Six Months Prison Reform 'Critical', Says Ford
Prison reform in Northern Ireland is now at a turning point. According to the NI Justice Minister David Ford, a new report by the Prison Review Team is a watershed for the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Low cloud, mist or fog at first will clear through the morning to leave a dry day with some prolonged sunny spells through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 21 °C.Tonight:Dry with clear spells for most places through the evening and overnight will allow the odd mist or fog patch to form. Coastal low cloud spreads into northern counties. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
