Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy will be aware that policing and justice powers were devolved to the Northern Ireland institutions following the Hillsborough Agreement of February 2010. Since that time, David Ford, MLA, has been Minister for Justice with responsibility for prison policy. An executive agency of his Department, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, is responsible for implementing prison policy.

A comprehensive review of the Northern Ireland Prison Service chaired by Anne Owers, which flowed from the Hillsborough Agreement, was published in October 2011. This review set out a path to reform the prison system in Northern Ireland. Implementation of the 40 recommendations made by Anne Owers and her prison review team is due to be completed next year and progress is overseen by an independent expert group which reports every six months.

Anne Owers recognised that Maghaberry Prison was unable to meet the challenge of seeking to provide appropriate security and sufficient and relevant activity for its long and short-term prisoners, including those imprisoned for paramilitary offences and the most serious and grave offences on the Statute Book.

On the recommendation of the Prisoner Ombudsman, Tom McGonigle, the independent assessors carried out a stock take of the implementation of the Roe House agreement in August and September this year. Their stock take report was published by Minister for Justice, David Ford, MLA, on 12 November and highlights areas of progress since 2010 and issues of concern to prisoners and management. The report was based on free access to Maghaberry Prison and to its prisoners, as well as extensive contact with the prison authorities, the Prisoner Ombudsman and representatives of the Prison Officers Association. I understand that any documentation requested was made available.

The independent assessors highlight the murder of a prison officer, David Black, in November 2012 by so-called dissident republicans as a significant challenge and a breach of the principles underpinning the agreement. Ongoing and recent threats against members of the Northern Ireland Prison Service and officials dealing with prisoner welfare have further complicated relations and damaged trust between the prison service and prisoners. All threats against those working in prisons and with prisoners in Northern Ireland are completely unacceptable and should be lifted immediately. I trust that the Deputy and all Members of the House will join me in condemning these ongoing threats to the health, welfare and lives of prison officers and those working in prisons in Northern Ireland.

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