Ms Saoirse Brady:

On the Minister laying down priorities for the year, it should be the director general. I, with my team, lay down the priorities for the year and we have our strategic objectives, so I imagine the IPS has its own strategic plan it works to. That is something. The service should of course consult the Minister to see what the pressing issues are, but it should have the ultimate say.

On the VLO, I agree there is probably a role for him or her there as well. This could be a really good opportunity to try to thread that in and ensure it is included. The IPRT is very much in favour of restorative practices right across the Prison Service as a whole.