24/07/2024
Justice Minister Announces Increase In NI Prison Staff
Justice Minister, Naomi Long, has announced an increase in the number of Prison staff in response to Northern Ireland's rising prisoner population.
Since July 2021 the prison population has increased by over 500 prisoners and now stands at 1,920.
Speaking during a visit to Maghaberry Prison, Minister Long said: "There has been a very steep rise in our prisoner population in recent years, which has been felt particularly at Maghaberry, where prisoner numbers are 1,263. Fortunately, we have not reached the circumstances which are faced in other jurisdictions, however in anticipation of a further rise to the prisoner numbers here, we have readied accommodation and staffing numbers will be increased. "The decision to add to existing staffing levels is a response to the rising prisoner population, but will also ensure the Prison Service has the resources it needs to focus on keeping people in custody safe and secure, and supporting individuals in their rehabilitation and resettlement. A new recruitment campaign will launch later this year and I would encourage people who think they are up to the challenge to apply."
Minister Long added: "Today I met committed and excellent staff at Maghaberry Prison. These are people doing a difficult job in support of a safer Northern Ireland. Working in prisons isn't for everyone, but those who choose to do so are exceptional."
Beverley Wall, Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, said: "Despite the many challenges in our prisons, our staff continue to support and encourage prisoners through our rehabilitative programmes. The fact that prisons have remained stable, are not in crisis, is testament to the dedication and professionalism of everyone, including partner agencies, who are working to keep people safe and to support them to change."
Since July 2021 the prison population has increased by over 500 prisoners and now stands at 1,920.
Speaking during a visit to Maghaberry Prison, Minister Long said: "There has been a very steep rise in our prisoner population in recent years, which has been felt particularly at Maghaberry, where prisoner numbers are 1,263. Fortunately, we have not reached the circumstances which are faced in other jurisdictions, however in anticipation of a further rise to the prisoner numbers here, we have readied accommodation and staffing numbers will be increased. "The decision to add to existing staffing levels is a response to the rising prisoner population, but will also ensure the Prison Service has the resources it needs to focus on keeping people in custody safe and secure, and supporting individuals in their rehabilitation and resettlement. A new recruitment campaign will launch later this year and I would encourage people who think they are up to the challenge to apply."
Minister Long added: "Today I met committed and excellent staff at Maghaberry Prison. These are people doing a difficult job in support of a safer Northern Ireland. Working in prisons isn't for everyone, but those who choose to do so are exceptional."
Beverley Wall, Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, said: "Despite the many challenges in our prisons, our staff continue to support and encourage prisoners through our rehabilitative programmes. The fact that prisons have remained stable, are not in crisis, is testament to the dedication and professionalism of everyone, including partner agencies, who are working to keep people safe and to support them to change."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 October 2022
New Staff Wellbeing Hub Opens At Maghaberry Prison
Justice Minister Naomi Long has officially opened a new Staff Wellbeing Hub at Maghaberry Prison, highlighting how 'prison officers carry out a challenging and unique role and it is important that we ensure they receive the wellbeing support, recognition and development opportunities deserving of the role'.
New Staff Wellbeing Hub Opens At Maghaberry Prison
Justice Minister Naomi Long has officially opened a new Staff Wellbeing Hub at Maghaberry Prison, highlighting how 'prison officers carry out a challenging and unique role and it is important that we ensure they receive the wellbeing support, recognition and development opportunities deserving of the role'.
15 July 2024
Minister Takes Action on Warrenpoint Odour Concerns
Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray and Slieve Croob Councillor Helena Young, alongside other elected representatives, met with Minister Andrew Muir and officials from the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to address ongoing resident concerns about odour in Warrenpoint.
Minister Takes Action on Warrenpoint Odour Concerns
Alliance South Down MLA Andrew McMurray and Slieve Croob Councillor Helena Young, alongside other elected representatives, met with Minister Andrew Muir and officials from the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to address ongoing resident concerns about odour in Warrenpoint.
11 July 2024
Health Minister Announces Series Of Planned Initiatives
Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has urged for health inequalities to be at the heart of health reform in Northern Ireland as he announced a series of planned initiatives over the next six months. These include: • A 'Live Better' initiative on health inequalities, designed to bring targeted health support to communities which need it most.
Health Minister Announces Series Of Planned Initiatives
Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, has urged for health inequalities to be at the heart of health reform in Northern Ireland as he announced a series of planned initiatives over the next six months. These include: • A 'Live Better' initiative on health inequalities, designed to bring targeted health support to communities which need it most.
09 July 2024
Alliance Welcomes Election Of New UK Prime Minister
Alliance Leader Naomi Long has welcomed the election of Sir Keir Starmer as the UK's new Prime Minister as a "new start for relationships across these islands". The Alliance Leader was speaking after meeting new the Prime at Parliament Buildings. She said it was a positive and constructive meeting.
Alliance Welcomes Election Of New UK Prime Minister
Alliance Leader Naomi Long has welcomed the election of Sir Keir Starmer as the UK's new Prime Minister as a "new start for relationships across these islands". The Alliance Leader was speaking after meeting new the Prime at Parliament Buildings. She said it was a positive and constructive meeting.
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.