Menu
25/02/2005
Murphy announces first ever Prisoner Ombudsman
Secretary of State Paul Murphy today announced the appointment of Northern Ireland’s first Prisoner Ombudsman.
Brian Coulter's appointment comes after former prisons controller John Steele recommended an ombudsman should be established when he conducted a review of staff and prisoner safety in Maghaberry in 2003.
Mr Murphy said Mr Coulter came to the post with an “outstanding track record and considerable knowledge of complaints systems and related issues including senior professional experience of investigation, regulatory work and the management and monitoring of performance”.
He said: “John Steele recommended consideration of an independent prisoner ombudsman when he conducted his review of staff and prisoner safety in Maghaberry during 2003.
“I hope that all those involved in the welfare of prisoners recognise this appointment as a major step forward that will provide added assurance about the treatment of prisoners and provides prison staff with added protection against vexatious complaints."
Mr Coulter is the chief executive of the Fold Housing Association.
(MB/SP)
Brian Coulter's appointment comes after former prisons controller John Steele recommended an ombudsman should be established when he conducted a review of staff and prisoner safety in Maghaberry in 2003.
Mr Murphy said Mr Coulter came to the post with an “outstanding track record and considerable knowledge of complaints systems and related issues including senior professional experience of investigation, regulatory work and the management and monitoring of performance”.
He said: “John Steele recommended consideration of an independent prisoner ombudsman when he conducted his review of staff and prisoner safety in Maghaberry during 2003.
“I hope that all those involved in the welfare of prisoners recognise this appointment as a major step forward that will provide added assurance about the treatment of prisoners and provides prison staff with added protection against vexatious complaints."
Mr Coulter is the chief executive of the Fold Housing Association.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 July 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.
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.
31 October 2024
Other News In Brief
Long-Term Finances Still 'Ongoing Concern' - Alliance Following yesterday's UK Budget announcement, long-term finances remain an 'ongoing concern' in Northern Ireland according to Alliance's Sorcha Eastwood.
Other News In Brief
Long-Term Finances Still 'Ongoing Concern' - Alliance Following yesterday's UK Budget announcement, long-term finances remain an 'ongoing concern' in Northern Ireland according to Alliance's Sorcha Eastwood.
21 May 2013
New Prisoner Ombudsman Appointed For NI
The Justice Minister has today announced the appointment of Tom McGonigle as the new Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. The appointment was made following an open competition and Tom McGonigle will take up appointment on 1 June 2013.
New Prisoner Ombudsman Appointed For NI
The Justice Minister has today announced the appointment of Tom McGonigle as the new Prisoner Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. The appointment was made following an open competition and Tom McGonigle will take up appointment on 1 June 2013.
24 November 2010
Cancer-Hit Prisoner's Death Sparks Action
An official watchdog for prisons has made five recommendations after an investigation into the death of an NI prisoner. Paul Henderson, 59, died at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry (pictured), while in the custody of Magilligan Prison in 2009. Mr Henderson was placed on remand in jail in 2004.
Cancer-Hit Prisoner's Death Sparks Action
An official watchdog for prisons has made five recommendations after an investigation into the death of an NI prisoner. Paul Henderson, 59, died at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry (pictured), while in the custody of Magilligan Prison in 2009. Mr Henderson was placed on remand in jail in 2004.
29 March 2011
'Threat' Cell Note Probe Underway
A criminal inquiry has begun after a prison officer allegedly planted personal details about his governor on a note in a dissident republican suspect's cell.
'Threat' Cell Note Probe Underway
A criminal inquiry has begun after a prison officer allegedly planted personal details about his governor on a note in a dissident republican suspect's cell.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
