Menu
26/07/2022
Prison Service Must Be 'Adequately Resourced'
Ulster Unionist Party Leader Doug Beattie has called for the Northern Ireland Prison Service to be "adequately resourced", addressing concerns surrounding pay and working conditions, welfare support and other issues.
Speaking after a visit to Hydebank Wood College and Women’s Prison, Doug Beattie said: "It is fair to say that I have previously raised many concerns about the Northern Ireland Prison Service. These include pay and working conditions, welfare support, prisoner assaults, deaths in custody, staffing levels and prison estate resilience. Yet it is also worth highlighting some of the aspects of our prisons that are not just working but working well.
"Recently I visited the Hydebank Wood College and Women’s Prison. During my walk about the facility I spent a large proportion of my time in the learning and skills centre which is run by the Belfast Met. It was genuinely uplifting to see what was being done and how the young inmates – both male and female students - were striving to find a direction and to upskill ready for release back into the community.
"During the visit I met Laura – not her real name – who I had first met four years previously in Hydebank College. Back then she clearly had mental health issues. A genuine sense of sadness and a lack of purpose surrounded her, and she was seriously self-harming. Her arms bore the scars of numerous self-inflicted slices which were shocking to see. Yet now she is engaged within the prison learning the hospitality trade, running the kitchen and producing food and menus for both students and staff. She has become an articulate young woman with a confidence that has gathered strength due to her upskilling which has added purpose.
"Laura is one of many success stories yet many problems remain. The number of women in prison has increased. Add to this the age of some of the women incarcerated, the mental health issues right across the prison and you can see that there are serious issues that the Department of Justice must address in the coming months. This is on top of the many other issues highlighted previously. However, the Minister cannot make tangible changes until her department is resourced correctly and that means a workable multi-year budget.
"There are many financial pressures to be dealt with by the Executive once we get it up and running, and the Northern Ireland Prison Service must not be forgotten as we focus on the difficulties the Police Service tackle. What was clear to me during the visit was that Hydebank Wood College has tapped into a system of rehabilitation, training, upskilling and engagement that could be a model for other prisons if resource was available."
Speaking after a visit to Hydebank Wood College and Women’s Prison, Doug Beattie said: "It is fair to say that I have previously raised many concerns about the Northern Ireland Prison Service. These include pay and working conditions, welfare support, prisoner assaults, deaths in custody, staffing levels and prison estate resilience. Yet it is also worth highlighting some of the aspects of our prisons that are not just working but working well.
"Recently I visited the Hydebank Wood College and Women’s Prison. During my walk about the facility I spent a large proportion of my time in the learning and skills centre which is run by the Belfast Met. It was genuinely uplifting to see what was being done and how the young inmates – both male and female students - were striving to find a direction and to upskill ready for release back into the community.
"During the visit I met Laura – not her real name – who I had first met four years previously in Hydebank College. Back then she clearly had mental health issues. A genuine sense of sadness and a lack of purpose surrounded her, and she was seriously self-harming. Her arms bore the scars of numerous self-inflicted slices which were shocking to see. Yet now she is engaged within the prison learning the hospitality trade, running the kitchen and producing food and menus for both students and staff. She has become an articulate young woman with a confidence that has gathered strength due to her upskilling which has added purpose.
"Laura is one of many success stories yet many problems remain. The number of women in prison has increased. Add to this the age of some of the women incarcerated, the mental health issues right across the prison and you can see that there are serious issues that the Department of Justice must address in the coming months. This is on top of the many other issues highlighted previously. However, the Minister cannot make tangible changes until her department is resourced correctly and that means a workable multi-year budget.
"There are many financial pressures to be dealt with by the Executive once we get it up and running, and the Northern Ireland Prison Service must not be forgotten as we focus on the difficulties the Police Service tackle. What was clear to me during the visit was that Hydebank Wood College has tapped into a system of rehabilitation, training, upskilling and engagement that could be a model for other prisons if resource was available."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
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.
Prison Arts Celebrated
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.
05 November 2021
Justice Minister Attends NIPS Memorial Service
Justice Minister Naomi Long has attended the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) Annual Memorial Service to remember officers who lost their lives in the course of duty. Minister Long said: "The annual Memorial Service is an important occasion for everyone associated with the Prison Service.
Justice Minister Attends NIPS Memorial Service
Justice Minister Naomi Long has attended the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) Annual Memorial Service to remember officers who lost their lives in the course of duty. Minister Long said: "The annual Memorial Service is an important occasion for everyone associated with the Prison Service.
31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 March 2017
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
