Mr. Conal McFeely:

Yes, we have seen some improvements in the prison estate in the North, particularly at the Hydebank Wood facility, which recently has been commended on improvements that have taken place.

In August 2010 an attempt was made to improve the conditions of prisoners held in the separated wing in Maghaberry Prison. Clearly, we thought we had an agreement at that stage. As Mr. Bunting has alluded to, the agreement was signed off by the prisoners and prison administration. We were commended by both the British and Irish Governments on achieving the agreement but it has stalled. Mr. Bunting has alluded to the number of reasons the agreement has stalled. Clearly, there was an issue with the POA, which did not want to implement the agreement because its members alleged they feared returning to a Long Kesh type of prison, but it was clearly not that situation.

In terms of the Fresh Start agreement and the panel, as Mr. Bunting has alluded to, we met the new Minister of Justice and given an understanding that a review panel would be set up. The big political debate at the moment is Brexit and everything else has been put on the backburner. Nothing has happened and a panel has not been set up.