Clare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
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144. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the contact he has had with Minister of Justice in the Northern Ireland Assembly, Mr David Ford, and with the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa Villiers, in relation to prisoner issues in Maghaberry, and the length of time being spent on remand. [36841/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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This is a repeat of my answer to question no. 113. Prison issues in Northern Ireland, in particular those affecting prisoners in separated accommodation, regularly arise in my discussions with Northern Ireland Minister of Justice, David Ford MLA and, on non-devolved matters, with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers MP, both of whom I meet on a regular basis in the context of the ongoing political Talks at Stormont.

In those contacts, I have reiterated my concerns regarding Maghaberry, including in relation to time spent on remand. I understand that the Northern Ireland Department of Justice is currently examining the system of remand in the context of identifying efficiencies within the criminal justice system.

Engagement with the Independent Chair of the Maghaberry Prison Forum is an important means of building trust between separated prisoners and prison management and has the potential to address many of the issues which have caused friction between staff and prisoners, including those issues outstanding from the work of the Independent Assessment Team. I am aware that the Deputy and other Oireachtas members have met with the Independent Chair and have had the opportunity to discuss those concerns with him directly.

My Officials are in regular contact with the Chair, who has been working with both the prisoners and the staff side to agree an agenda. I understand that the Northern Ireland Prison Service is prepared to engage fully and openly once the format has been agreed and the meetings are re-established, and that progress is being made. I do not underestimate the challenges involved and further progress in this format will require the engagement of all parties in a spirit of openness and goodwill.