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

The Deputy will be aware that it is generally accepted, including by the Northern Ireland authorities, that conditions in Maghaberry Prison are not ideal. That is why I believe it is important that every opportunity be given to allow for the recommendations of the recent stocktake report to take place. There is an element of independence, as the Deputy mentioned. The Northern Ireland Prison Service has accepted the report's recommendation that the prison forum meeting should take place. The service will engage with the forum. Meetings will take place every two months. The agenda will be agreed a week in advance. I understand that Tom Miller, who is a former principal officer in the Northern Ireland Prison Service, has been appointed as chair of the prisoner forum. I accept the Deputy's contention that there have been some difficulties on the prisoner side regarding the acceptability of certain issues. I appreciate that there is an element of tension. I believe the resolution of the difficulties is a matter of ongoing work. I assure the Deputy that I will continue to monitor matters on a regular basis to ensure a certain balance is achieved. I accept that timelines are important. I was very satisfied with the outcome of my meeting last week. Officials from my Department will continue to monitor the process of implementing the stocktake report.

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