29/07/2025
Justice Minister Calls For Review of Prison Pre-Release Testing
Justice Minister Naomi Long has requested that the Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service undertake a review of the current pre-release testing (PRT) process.
The aim of the review is to identify areas where improvements can be made, particularly in light of concerns regarding prisoners who repeatedly fail to comply with conditions or abscond.
Minister Long emphasised the importance of PRT: "Pre-release testing is a vital part of rehabilitation and resettlement back into society, particularly for those who have served long sentences. Most prisoners go through the various stages of PRT testing successfully and reintegrate back into the community, however a small number continually fail or abuse the process by going unlawfully at large."
The Minister noted that she has met with victims of crime and political representatives, stating that she shares their concerns about the minority who do not take the opportunities provided.
"I have therefore asked the Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service to consider the current approach to pre-release testing, including whether any further steps can be taken when an individual repeatedly absconds or fails to comply with their conditions," Minister Long confirmed. This review will seek to bolster the integrity of the system and enhance public safety.
The aim of the review is to identify areas where improvements can be made, particularly in light of concerns regarding prisoners who repeatedly fail to comply with conditions or abscond.
The Minister noted that she has met with victims of crime and political representatives, stating that she shares their concerns about the minority who do not take the opportunities provided.
"I have therefore asked the Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service to consider the current approach to pre-release testing, including whether any further steps can be taken when an individual repeatedly absconds or fails to comply with their conditions," Minister Long confirmed. This review will seek to bolster the integrity of the system and enhance public safety.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.