Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We should wait to see how best we might take forward the recommendation of the Stocktake report. There are security issues involved, which have been evidenced time and again. The security, safety and health and welfare of those working in the prison under very difficult circumstances must at all stages be taken into account. I have raised the humanitarian issues on the part of prisoners, as raised with me by Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan and others and I will continue to do so. I attach a particular importance - this was referred to by Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan - to the action plan on the part of the Executive on paramilitarism and in particular the intention to establish a review of the separated regime in Maghaberry Prison. We are agreed that this is a welcome initiative. I hope that it will provide the context to move forward to a more positive atmosphere within the prison, which ultimately will have positive consequences for everybody involved.

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