23/05/2002
McClarty calls for clarification on prison closures
Ulster Unionist Assembly member for East Londonderry, David McClarty has said that the fears of prison officers have not been allayed following comments made by Security Minister Jane Kennedy regarding the future of Magilligan Prison, which is currently under review.
In April, Mr McClarty met with members of the Prison Officer's Association Committee, who are worried out the outcome of a review of Northern Ireland Police Force (NIPS) estate which will decide whether or not the prison is to close, with the loss of 450 jobs.
Mr McClarty said: "In addition to prison officers and civilian staff, the prison employs a wide range of local services and brings much needed business and revenue to local suppliers, shops and companies in the Limavady and Coleraine area. If Magillian were to close, it would have devastating repercussions for the North West economy."
Three proposals are currently under consideration, two of which suggest the closure of Magilligan. One scenario would see the transferral of the estate to Maghaberry Prison and Hydebank Wood Young Offenders' centre (YOC), while the other option would involve the closure of both Magilligan and Hydebank YOC, with transfer solely to Maghaberry.
Referring to Ms Kennedy's response, Mr McClarty said: "The Minister told me the review is complex because it needs to take into consideration all aspects of the provision of a modern prison service. Included in the deliberation therefore, will be operational issues, provision of programme requirements and economic considerations.
"The Minister confirmed that staff and trade unions had been advised about the review and that as a part in the decision-making process, wide consultation would be undertaken. She emphasised that no decisions have been made – or will be made – in relation to Magilligan, Maghaberry or YOC Hydebank until the review has been completed."
(CL)
In April, Mr McClarty met with members of the Prison Officer's Association Committee, who are worried out the outcome of a review of Northern Ireland Police Force (NIPS) estate which will decide whether or not the prison is to close, with the loss of 450 jobs.
Mr McClarty said: "In addition to prison officers and civilian staff, the prison employs a wide range of local services and brings much needed business and revenue to local suppliers, shops and companies in the Limavady and Coleraine area. If Magillian were to close, it would have devastating repercussions for the North West economy."
Three proposals are currently under consideration, two of which suggest the closure of Magilligan. One scenario would see the transferral of the estate to Maghaberry Prison and Hydebank Wood Young Offenders' centre (YOC), while the other option would involve the closure of both Magilligan and Hydebank YOC, with transfer solely to Maghaberry.
Referring to Ms Kennedy's response, Mr McClarty said: "The Minister told me the review is complex because it needs to take into consideration all aspects of the provision of a modern prison service. Included in the deliberation therefore, will be operational issues, provision of programme requirements and economic considerations.
"The Minister confirmed that staff and trade unions had been advised about the review and that as a part in the decision-making process, wide consultation would be undertaken. She emphasised that no decisions have been made – or will be made – in relation to Magilligan, Maghaberry or YOC Hydebank until the review has been completed."
(CL)
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