Written answers

Wednesday, 26 November 2014

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Northern Ireland Issues

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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14. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Minister of Justice and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland regarding prisoner issues in Northern Ireland and their implications for the peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44957/14]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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This is a repeat of my reply to Question No. 3.

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 and which flowed from the Hillsborough Agreement, was published in October 2011. This Review set out a path to reform the prison system in the North. Implementation of the forty 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.

Owers recognised that Maghaberry 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.

In summer 2010, Republican prisoners in Maghberry's Roe House wing protested at conditions: an agreement between prisoners and prison management, known as the Roe House Agreement, was concluded in August 2010 and four independent assessors were appointed to assist in its oversight and delivery.

On the recommendation of the Prisoner Ombudsman, Tom McGonigle, the independent assessors carried out a stocktake of implementation of the Roe House Agreement in August and September this year. Their stocktake report was published by Minister Ford 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 and to its prisoners, as well as extensive contact with the prison authorities, the Prisoner Ombudsman, and with Prison Officer representatives. 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.

The recent stocktake report was accepted by the Northern Ireland Prison Service and by the relevant prisoners, and opens an opportunity to resolve outstanding matters so that the unimplemented elements of the Roe House Agreement can be achieved. The independent assessors recommend a timeline of six months for the resolution of outstanding issues. I would encourage all concerned to make the most of this opportunity.

I have discussed these issues with Minister Ford and will continue to do so as appropriate. I also intend to meet the independent assessors who concluded the stocktake report over the coming weeks. My officials continue to meet with the range of agencies responsible for prisoner issues in Northern Ireland, including the Department of Justice, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the Prison Ombudsman, and on non-devolved aspects, with officials from the Northern Ireland Office.

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