Menu
20/07/2001
NI PRISONS REPORT DOWNTURN IN VIOLENCE
LEVELS of prison violence in Northern Ireland have dramatically dropped this year according to a new prison service annual report.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service’s annual report reveals that major disturbances characteristic of previous years, when large groups of paramilitary groups were incarcerated, have decreased significantly.
A Prison Service spokesman said it was clear that the atmosphere inside the prisons had radically changed: “The number of breaches of order and control have reduced considerably and there have been fewer serious incidents. If you have 400 fewer prisoners it is certainly a contributory factor.”
The past two years have seen a radical shake-up of the prison service in Northern Ireland. The Maze prison closed and vast numbers of terrorist prisoners were released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. This ultimately ended in over 1000 job losses.
The annual report reveals that the service reduced its annual running cost by 36 per cent, reduced sickness days by almost 30 per cent and improved living conditions and educational opportunities.
The Director General of the Service Robin Halward said: “The conditions and regimes provided for prisoners in Northern Ireland compare favourably with any other prison system. There is no overcrowding, prisoners enjoy comprehensive regimes and work, while prison staff have benefited from an average of over eight days training and development during the year. This was achieved against the backdrop of a 36 per cent reduction in running costs.
Minister of State Jane Kennedy said: “This report represents the improvement made in achieving targets during a very testing period of change.” (AMcE)
The Northern Ireland Prison Service’s annual report reveals that major disturbances characteristic of previous years, when large groups of paramilitary groups were incarcerated, have decreased significantly.
A Prison Service spokesman said it was clear that the atmosphere inside the prisons had radically changed: “The number of breaches of order and control have reduced considerably and there have been fewer serious incidents. If you have 400 fewer prisoners it is certainly a contributory factor.”
The past two years have seen a radical shake-up of the prison service in Northern Ireland. The Maze prison closed and vast numbers of terrorist prisoners were released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. This ultimately ended in over 1000 job losses.
The annual report reveals that the service reduced its annual running cost by 36 per cent, reduced sickness days by almost 30 per cent and improved living conditions and educational opportunities.
The Director General of the Service Robin Halward said: “The conditions and regimes provided for prisoners in Northern Ireland compare favourably with any other prison system. There is no overcrowding, prisoners enjoy comprehensive regimes and work, while prison staff have benefited from an average of over eight days training and development during the year. This was achieved against the backdrop of a 36 per cent reduction in running costs.
Minister of State Jane Kennedy said: “This report represents the improvement made in achieving targets during a very testing period of change.” (AMcE)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 September 2006
Promoting Healthy Prisons conference announces low literacy statistics
Recent statistics from England and Wales indicate that nine out ten prisoners have a diagnosable mental health problem, substance misuse problem or both, while four out of five prisoners smoke, in comparison to one in four of the general population.
Promoting Healthy Prisons conference announces low literacy statistics
Recent statistics from England and Wales indicate that nine out ten prisoners have a diagnosable mental health problem, substance misuse problem or both, while four out of five prisoners smoke, in comparison to one in four of the general population.
16 June 2023
Prisons Under Pressure As Population Hits Record High
As the prison population of Northern Ireland hits record levels pressure will continue to increase on the Prison Service, Ronnie Armour, Northern Ireland Prison Service Director General has warned.
Prisons Under Pressure As Population Hits Record High
As the prison population of Northern Ireland hits record levels pressure will continue to increase on the Prison Service, Ronnie Armour, Northern Ireland Prison Service Director General has warned.
14 December 2010
Prisons 'Cost Too Much To Run'
It has emerged that there are more people working in NI jails than there are inmates to supervise. A report - just published - has also described industrial relations in NI prisons as "destructive". It said that the cost is very high too, almost £95,000 a year per prisoner - some two and a half times more than anywhere else in the UK.
Prisons 'Cost Too Much To Run'
It has emerged that there are more people working in NI jails than there are inmates to supervise. A report - just published - has also described industrial relations in NI prisons as "destructive". It said that the cost is very high too, almost £95,000 a year per prisoner - some two and a half times more than anywhere else in the UK.
17 June 2004
Number of asylum seekers held in NI prisons doubles
An increasing number of asylum seekers arriving in Northern Ireland are being locked up in prison as part of the Home Office’s detention policy, a new report has revealed today.
Number of asylum seekers held in NI prisons doubles
An increasing number of asylum seekers arriving in Northern Ireland are being locked up in prison as part of the Home Office’s detention policy, a new report has revealed today.
28 November 2024
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
Japanese Cyber Security Firm Expands in Northern Ireland
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced that Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) is expanding its operations in Northern Ireland. The Japanese cyber security firm, which specialises in protecting critical infrastructure, governments, and businesses from cyber-attacks, first established a presence in Northern Ireland in 2018. This latest £1.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
