HMP Maghaberry lessons learned

There are three recommendations in the panel’s report. They cover the retention of prison records, whether any relevant lessons can be learnt for HMP Maghaberry, and whether a process similar to the Patten reforms of the RUC should be established for the Northern Ireland Prison Service. As the House is aware, prisons in Northern Ireland are now in the main a devolved matter. I will meet Justice Minister David Ford on Monday to discuss these recommendations.

Recommendation two required Ministers’ to satisfy themselves that any relevant lessons from The Maze have been learned for Maghaberry.
In response to this recommendation the Prison Service immediately commenced a review under the direction of a senior Governor to conduct a detailed audit of existing provision not only at Maghaberry, but across all three prison establishments.
Addressing the audit findings Mr Masefield said:
“While many areas of good practice were identified, the audit process did highlight a number of issues and areas where NIPS is not fully compliant with the standards prescribed in the report and where corrective action is appropriate.
“Work is now in hand to take forward an action plan to address the areas highlighted for review and analysis.  Remedial activities will include both physical infrastructure, where it is deemed operationally warranted, and the updating of some policies and guidance.”

In response to the second recommendation requiring NIPS to satisfy themselves that any relevant lessons from HMP Maze have been learned for HMP Maghaberry, the summary of a recent audit undertaken by the NIPS, and the steps being taken as a result, can be found at annex C of the documentation placed in the Library of the House. Remedial activities will include both physical infrastructure, where it is operationally required, and updating of certain policies and guidance.