Catholic Prisoners Facing Discrimination, Says Report

NI Prisons Service has been accused of inequality of treatment for inmates.

A report has strongly criticised the service after a report found that Catholics in prisons in Northern Ireland get fewer privileges than their Protestant counterparts.

The report by Criminal Justice Inspection says 80% of prison officers are Protestants and said therefore, "Catholic inmates receive less favourable treatment".

This inspection examined whether criminal justice agencies were meeting their legal obligation to ensure equality and human rights are promoted.

On foot of the revelations, NI Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins has affirmed what he said is the criminal justice system's commitment to equality and diversity.

He published an 'action plan' after the report's criticisms on the impact of the 'Section 75' legislation and of the publication of the Northern Ireland Prison Service report.

Paul Goggins said: "The equality safeguards set down in Section 75 have an important part to play, as much in criminal justice as in any other facet of public life in Northern Ireland."

"I am very grateful for the work that Criminal Justice Inspection has done in producing this report, which provides an independent examination of performance in this important and challenging area," he continued.

In defence of the service he said: "Much progress has been made already.

"Equity monitoring for those passing through custody suites is now in place and the results will be published later in the year.

"The current consultation on a women's strategy shows how we are embracing new and better targeted methods of consultation and engagement and Criminal Justice Inspection's recommendations relevant to individual criminal justice agencies have all been taken up," he said.

"But there is more we can do, and I shall personally be reviewing progress on all the recommendations in the Criminal Justice Inspection's report.

"A comprehensive action plan is in place and I will provide Criminal Justice Inspection with a full progress report in six months' time," he concluded.

The report was also welcomed by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. Chief Executive Evelyn Collins, who said: "Effective monitoring allows public bodies to identify and address any underlying issues which may impact on the promotion of equality."

Meanwhile, the way in which female prisoners are treated in Northern Ireland is among the other issues being targeted in a new prison management plan.

See: Prison Authorities Set "Challenging Targets"

(BMcC/JM)