Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There was an agreement in 2010 and a stock take in 2014. Since then the International Red Cross have been in the prison but the issues persist. The issues are full-body searching, controlled movement and access to education. Everybody agrees that the 2010 agreement is the only way forward for a conflict-free environment and I have to draw a contrast with Portlaoise Prison, which also houses so-called dissidents in a particular wing and none of these issues exist in that prison, where there is a much better relationship between the staff and prisoners. Generally, there is a fair and respectful relationship between staff and prisoners which is missing in Maghaberry.

Everybody should be able to carry out their work without fear or threat but we cannot leave the status quoas it is at the moment. There is a need to encourage a renewal of the dialogue between prisoners and authorities, to which both had signed up.

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