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02/07/2014
Prison Complaints Increase 11%
The past year has seen an 11% increase in the amount of complaints made to the Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, according to a report.
Tom McGonigle today published his Annual Report for 2013-14, which showed that investigations were commenced into 450 new complaints, four deaths in custody and three post-release deaths over the period. 80% of complaints came from Maghaberry Prison.
The report found there was an 11% increase in complaints since last year and that investigations ranged from "minor matters to multiple thematic complaints". Property and cash, visits, staff attitudes and accommodation accounted for 40% of the complaints that reached the Ombudsman.
Mr McGonigle said: "46% of prisoners’ complaints were upheld. We made 323 recommendations for improvement and 90% of these were accepted by the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
"Throughout the year we heard of several situations where prisoners almost died in each prison, but were saved by prompt and effective staff intervention. We made 99 recommendations for improvement in relation to the care of prisoners."
He added: "We continued to support the prison reform process, working with the Prison Service, South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and Department of Justice (DOJ) to identify and implement changes that can improve prisoners’ quality of life, and thereby help reduce tensions in the prisons."
(IT/MH)
Tom McGonigle today published his Annual Report for 2013-14, which showed that investigations were commenced into 450 new complaints, four deaths in custody and three post-release deaths over the period. 80% of complaints came from Maghaberry Prison.
The report found there was an 11% increase in complaints since last year and that investigations ranged from "minor matters to multiple thematic complaints". Property and cash, visits, staff attitudes and accommodation accounted for 40% of the complaints that reached the Ombudsman.
Mr McGonigle said: "46% of prisoners’ complaints were upheld. We made 323 recommendations for improvement and 90% of these were accepted by the Northern Ireland Prison Service.
"Throughout the year we heard of several situations where prisoners almost died in each prison, but were saved by prompt and effective staff intervention. We made 99 recommendations for improvement in relation to the care of prisoners."
He added: "We continued to support the prison reform process, working with the Prison Service, South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust and Department of Justice (DOJ) to identify and implement changes that can improve prisoners’ quality of life, and thereby help reduce tensions in the prisons."
(IT/MH)
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Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
