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Prisons: Northern Ireland

Answer

In reaching the decision about the site for a new prison which was announced on 18 December, issues in relation to location and access to Magilligan were considered as part of the comprehensive options appraisal, published on the same day. In taking forward the development and delivery of the new prison, the Prison Service has committed to carry out a full equality impact assessment (EQIA) which will give consideration to the needs of families and the services and facilities to support these. The Prison Service conducted a detailed visitors survey in October 2006 in which over four-fifths of respondents said that they did not have any problems with travel arrangements to Magilligan prison, over three-quarters of respondents normally travel to Magilligan by ““private car””. The Prison Service currently funds NIACRO to provide a transport service to Magilligan originating from Belfast (three days per week) and Dungannon/Cookstown (once a month). In addition the prison provides a bus service from Bellarena station to the prison on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In recognition of the distance to Magilligan, the service operates extended morning and afternoon visiting sessions. Special arrangements can be made for family visitors to attend both morning and afternoon, especially where they have been unable to attend frequently.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

1349; 698 c90-1WA

Session

2007-08

Subjects

Construction Families Northern Ireland Prisoners Prisons Location Transport Visits HMP Magilligan

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk