The Ulster Unionist Party has demanded that more be done to protect vulnerable prisoners in Maghaberry.
Doug Beattie MC MLA, the Ulster Unionist Party’s Justice spokesperson, said:
“The latest report from the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland on Maghaberry Prison contains some good news, in that the inspectors were ‘encouraged’ by continuing efforts to address serious concerns that were identified in an earlier inspection.
“However, I am not surprised that the inspectors reported ongoing concerns regarding the level of support provided to vulnerable prisoners and the abuse of both illegal and prescription drugs.
“This is a key issue which needs to be tackled, as is the impact of the separated regime and the finding that 46 separated prisoners are taking up a disproportionate amount of resources. Four weeks ago I brought a motion to the Assembly proposing an end to the separated regime but the DUP and Sinn Fein failed to support it. Perhaps they will reflect on that in the light of this report.
“One thing is for sure, the issues of safety and living conditions in our prisons will never be effectively addressed until we resolve the issue of staffing levels and help reduce the pressure on Prison Officers who are in the frontline on a daily basis.”