NI prisons in ‘state of crisis’
More than £10m was spent on repair and maintenance work in Maghaberry prison between 2011 and 2015.
The expenditure was discovered after DUP MLA Sydney Anderson received a response to a question tabled to the Justice Minister.
The information released also revealed that what was described in April as a “small fire” within the prison turned out to be a much more damaging fire, with over £400,000 spent to repair the damage.
Mr Anderson is a former member of the Prison Service and said he has been monitoring the issue closely.
The Upper Bann MLA said, “The Justice Minister has serious questions to answer.
“A repair bill of over £10 million for Maghaberry over the last few years as well as £400,000 repair costs for a recent so called “small fire”, create a serious lack of confidence about the management of prisons here.”
Mr Anderson continued: “Not only are our prisons are running up a titanic repair bill, but it would also appear that our prisons generally are over-populated and significantly understaffed.
“HMP Maghaberry Prison has a recommended normal accommodation figure of 988 prisoners, but in reality over the last 5 years the population of the prison has leaped by over 200 to a current population of 1,051 prisoners.
“These figures are compounded by the fact that since 2010 over 800 staff have left the Prison Service, with only half this number recruited to replace them. I am fearful that our prisons could descend into a state of disarray.
“It is time for answers from the Justice Minister. Confidence in the management of the Prison Service is at an all-time low. Questions must be asked about the ability of those managing the Prison Service, because all the evidence points to failure.
“David Ford must come clean and address these matters head on.”
A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said: “As a high security prison it is essential that Maghaberry is maintained to ensure the safety and security of staff and prisoners.
“Maintenance costs have reduced significantly in recent years. With regard to management, a number of staff changes have recently taken place at Maghaberry following a review of its structures and operational delivery.
“These will provide additional support to the Governor and strengthen the management team.
“As an interim measure, a small number of staff have also been temporarily redeployed from Magilligan and Hydebank Wood with further plans being discussed with the Governor.
“The Northern Ireland Prison Service is at an advanced stage of a recruitment campaign which has received over 2000 applications, with new staff to be placed in prisons by the autumn.”
