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

The Northern Ireland Prison Service has accepted the recommendation of the stock take report that forum meetings take place at least every two months with an agreed agenda in advance. I acknowledge there have been some difficulties in achieving agreement on a mutually accepted share of the prisoners' forum but I am sure the Deputy will agree with me that it is essential that prisoners engage with the prisoners' forum because the resolution of these difficulties is through engagement and the type of forum that is envisaged.

I acknowledge the work of the independent assessment group. I know the Deputy and others have been very much involved in this issue, particularly over the past few months, but I suggest that the Deputy engages directly with members of the independent assessment group who would be anxious to meet with any Member of the House on this issue.

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