The Prisons’ Minister Paul Goggins today congratulated the Northern Ireland Prison Service on their effective work with prisoners and their efforts to protect the public by reducing levels of re-offending. He was commenting as the Prison Service published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2006-07.

The Minister said; “It has been an extremely challenging year for the Prison Service with prisoner numbers continuing to rise. Against this backdrop, however, the Prison Service has surpassed expectations by delivering an increasing range of offending behaviour and re-settlement programmes to prisoners. I commend staff for their dedication and commitment.

“It is extremely encouraging to note that some 94% of determinate sentence prisoners and virtually all life sentence prisoners are now working to a resettlement plan. Active engagement with prisoners is a vital ingredient in their programme of rehabilitation. Prisoners must be encouraged to address their offending behaviour and in doing so this will provide for increased public protection.

“In the past year The Prison Service has introduced a range of new measures aimed at preparing prisoners for their ultimate release. The Prison Service is working closely with Business In The Community to improve their employment prospects, while Restorative Practice initiatives have been put in place. An Addictions Manager and Clinical Governance Manager have been appointed as the Service continues to build on its level of healthcare provision.”

The Minister was also encouraged by the reduction in assaults by prisoners, both on other prisoners and against staff.

He said; “Prisons are volatile places but the Prison Service has a duty of care to both prisoners and staff. It is pleasing to note that assault levels in prisons, despite the rising prisoner population, have not increased.”

The Prison Service met nine of the eleven targets that had been set for it in the past year. The Minister outlined his concern that the absenteeism target was not met.

He said; “Absenteeism levels are a cause for concern across the public sector and the Prison Service is no exception. It is extremely disappointing that there has been an increase in absenteeism rates when we are striving to reduce the figures. I am aware that the Prison Service is taking this problem seriously and it is vital that a robust approach is taken.”

Notes to Editors

1. The Northern Ireland Prison Service Annual Report & Accounts 2006-07 was announced by way of a Written Statement by Prisons’ Minister Paul Goggins. The Annual Report has been placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament and has been published on the Northern Ireland Prison Service website.

2. The attached written statement provides detail on the outturn against each of the eleven key Performance Targets which it had been set.

Related Publication - NIPS Annual Report 2006 07 (FINAL DOC - Laid 11 July 2007).PDF

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