The Prison Service today launched a 12 weeks consultation period on a new draft Strategy setting out how it intends to address the needs of foreign nationals in prison custody.

The Strategy is available on the Northern Ireland Prison Service web site: www.niprisonservice.gov.uk and the closing date for responses is 14th July 2008.

Commenting on the Strategy, Robin Masefield, Director of the Prison Service, said that it was very important that the Service recognises the distinct needs of foreign nationals in custody and they are provided with the same access to prison facilities and services as other prisoners.

He said; “We have seen a significant growth over the last two years in the number of foreign national prisoners, with the number of committals rising from 181 in 2006/07 to 291 the following year. The sharp rise in numbers has presented prison staff on landings and those working with prisoners to reduce re-offending with significant challenges and adds generally to the complexity of prisoner management.

“The Strategy incorporates best practice from other jurisdictions, the learning from inspections and is informed by the views of prison staff, foreign national prisoners and those who work with and support ethnic minority communities in Northern Ireland.

“Research on the barriers faced by foreign nationals coming into prison highlights language support, isolation from family and lack of information about the criminal justice system, and prison routines in particular, among the main problems. The Prison Service has looked at these and developed a number of measures to help address these issues.

“We also propose that some staff in establishments will be given a specific role to coordinate the implementation of the strategy and to ensure that foreign nationals can access the same services and facilities as other prisoners.”

Notes to Editors
1. The draft Strategy is available on the NIPS website but anyone requiring a hard copy or a version in an alternative format should contact 028 9052 5100.

2. Responses will be considered at the end of the 12 weeks consultation period and a final strategy prepared and published.

3, Replies to the consultation should be sent to Room 308, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3SU or by e-mail to maureen.erne@nio.x.gsi.gov.uk

4. Today there are 69 foreign national prisoners, out of a total prison population of 1473, incarcerated in Northern Ireland prisons.’

5. For further information contact the Prison Service Press Office on 028 9052 0938 or 028 9052 5139.

Related Link - http://www.niprisonservice.gov.uk/index.cfm/area/information/page/Current%20Consultations

Related Publication - Foreign National Prisoner Strategy - Draft consultation document.PDF

Contact Details