The 1990s

Throughout the early and mid 1990s, disturbances continued within prisons. In 1991, a bomb was detonated in a dining hall in Belfast Prison, killing 2 loyalist prisoners and injuring a further 7. The subsequent report by Lord Colville endorsed the Government's policy of resisting segregation there. In 1995, serious rioting by loyalist prisoners in Maze caused approximately 200 Officers to suffer smoke inhalation or other serious injury, resulting in lengthy periods of sick absence.

A low security facility, Foyleview, was opened at HMP Magilligan in July 1994 and can accommodate 42 inmates. Prisoners selected for placement in Foyleview are approved by an assessment panel and enter into a formal contract with the Governor. Any breach of the contract immediately results in the prisoner's removal to normal accommodation. 'Foyleview' prisoners are expected to work longer hours and in return they enjoy a more relaxed regime which includes alternate weekends on home leave.

In March 1996, Belfast Prison closed. Remands charged with terrorist related offences were transferred to the Maze and the remaining remands moved to Maghaberry, which became the adult committal prison for Northern Ireland.

In March 1997 an escape attempt by republican prisoners at the Maze was foiled when a tunnel was discovered half-way between one of the blocks and the outer perimeter. The Secretary of State commissioned an internal inquiry into the escape which was conducted under the direction of John Steele. In late April UDA prisoners caused considerable damage to blocks at the Maze in a protest against the security measures that were introduced in the aftermath of the escape attempt. Early in April there was a serious hostage incident at Maghaberry and in June the homes of three prison officers were firebombed by loyalists.

On 25 April 1997, LVF leader Billy Wright and three others were transferred from Maghaberry to Maze. Following the move around 20-30 prisoners petitioned to be transferred to the Maze. In August 1997 the LVF rioted in a protest about the accommodation being used for their visits. Changes to visiting arrangements were later made.

On 10 December 1997 prisoner Liam Averill, who had served two years of a life sentence, escaped under cover of the Provisional IRA children's party. He remains at large.

On 27 December 1997 prisoner Billy Wright, the leader of the LVF faction at Maze, was shot and killed in the forecourt of an H Block while being transported to the visits complex. Three members of the INLA faction surrendered themselves and were subsequently convicted of the murder.

The Secretary of State commissioned Martin Narey to investigate both incidents.

On 16 March 1998 prisoner Keys, who was remanded for police enquiries into a serious crime, was killed in the LVF H Block.

As well as Martin Narey's investigation into Liam Averil's escape and Billy Wright's murder, the Secretary of State commissioned Sir David Ramsbotham to carry out a full inspection of the Maze and also look at the circumstances surrounding Keys' murder. That report was published in November 1998.

In December 1998, The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee published its report on the efficiency and effectiveness of the work of the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

The advent of the Good Friday Agreement - signed in April 1998 - had a major impact upon the Prison Service. The release of paramilitary prisoners led to a consequent reduction in the size of the Service.

The first releases took place in September 1998 culminating in the release of all those eligible for release under the Good Friday Agreement on 28 July 2000 - the second anniversary of the enactment of the NI Sentences Act. (The total number released and a monthly breakdown of the releases is available in the facts and figures section under early releases). The total number of prisoners released on 28 July 2000, the second anniversary of the enactment of the Northern Ireland (Sentences) Act 1998, was 88 (79 from Maze, 8 from Maghaberry and 1 from Magilligan). The remaining prisoners who did not qualify for release on 28 July 2000 were transferred from the Maze on 29 September 2000 to other prison establishments.

In December 1998 an early retirement/severance scheme was launched which by March 2001 saw the Service's workforce reduce by around 1,100 staff (40%).

Today the Service has three operational establishments - HMP Maghaberry, HMP Magilligan and HM Hydebank Wood.