New Prisons’ Minister visits Maghaberry

Prisons’ Minister Paul Goggins was given a tour of Maghaberry Prison’s new purpose-built workshops when he visited the prison this week.

Mr Goggins, who replaced Shaun Woodward, said he was impressed with the work being achieved to help re-integrate prisoners back into the community.

After being briefed by Governor Alan Longwell, the MP for WythenShawe and Sale East was shown the new workshops housing the Braille Unit and Computer Unit.

Mr Goggins said the work being done in the Braille Unit not only benefited the prisoners, but raised the profile of the prison and provided a real service to the community.

Speaking after his visit, Mr Goggins said he was delighted to see the high standard of work undertaken in such a complex and heterogeneous prison which caters for inmates from all categories from fine defaulters to life sentence to political prisoners.

“Staff have managed to deal with these complexities in a professional manner and for this they deserve to be commended,” he said.

“The resettlement programme of prisoners being integrated back into the community is particularly impressive. This programme is a vital service if we are to succeed in reducing the rate of re-offending for which all of us in Northern Ireland will benefit.”

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Final NIPS Service Medal presentation

The final presentation of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Medal took place this week.

Two serving officers and two retired officers and their families were at Prison Service headquarters in Dundonald House to receive the medals from Director of Operations, Max Murray.

From now on, officers or former officers who apply for the medal, will receive it by post. A total of 3,375 medals have been issues so far.

The first presentation ceremony took place at Hillsborough Castle when Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne gave medals to the families of the 29 officers murdered during 30 years of civilian unrest.

Prisons’ Minister Paul Goggins will be visiting Magilligan Prison.