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29/07/2009
Prison Officers' Dispute Ends
Industrial action among NI prison officers has been averted.
Thanks to eleventh-hour talks involving NIO Prisons' Minister Paul Goggins agreement has now been reached between Prison Service management and the Prison Officers Association (POA) on the way forward.
The agreement was endorsed this morning by the POA's Area Committee so that members can return to normal working arrangements tomorrow.
The deal saw both parties reaching agreement to review the operation of Code of Conduct and Discipline and check that it was properly implemented in relation to a number of specific cases.
They will also begin a full consultation on the use of CCTV in prisons and continue with the agreed policy in relation to sick absence.
In addition, the Minister has indicated that - particularly in the light of recent critical reports about the Prison Service - it is essential that industrial relations in Northern Ireland Prisons are radically improved.
He has said that all involved need to focus fully on the scope for urgent reform and improvement.
He said that he will be convening further discussions in September.
As related on 4ni.co.uk yesterday, the issues at the centre of the withdrawal of goodwill related to application of the Code of Conduct and discipline and sick absence procedures.
These have been exacerbated by both two tragic prisoner suicides and a report slamming procedures in Maghaberry in particular.
However, last month, POA members voted 71% in favour of industrial action up to and including strikes.
See: Bid To Halt Prison Strike Looks Positive
(BMcC/JM)
Thanks to eleventh-hour talks involving NIO Prisons' Minister Paul Goggins agreement has now been reached between Prison Service management and the Prison Officers Association (POA) on the way forward.
The agreement was endorsed this morning by the POA's Area Committee so that members can return to normal working arrangements tomorrow.
The deal saw both parties reaching agreement to review the operation of Code of Conduct and Discipline and check that it was properly implemented in relation to a number of specific cases.
They will also begin a full consultation on the use of CCTV in prisons and continue with the agreed policy in relation to sick absence.
In addition, the Minister has indicated that - particularly in the light of recent critical reports about the Prison Service - it is essential that industrial relations in Northern Ireland Prisons are radically improved.
He has said that all involved need to focus fully on the scope for urgent reform and improvement.
He said that he will be convening further discussions in September.
As related on 4ni.co.uk yesterday, the issues at the centre of the withdrawal of goodwill related to application of the Code of Conduct and discipline and sick absence procedures.
These have been exacerbated by both two tragic prisoner suicides and a report slamming procedures in Maghaberry in particular.
However, last month, POA members voted 71% in favour of industrial action up to and including strikes.
See: Bid To Halt Prison Strike Looks Positive
(BMcC/JM)
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A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 March 2017
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
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14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
