Committee for Justice Visits Young Offenders Centre

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Justice was at Hydebank Young Offenders Centre today as part of its programme of visits to all Northern Ireland prison establishments.

Speaking on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman, Lord Morrow MLA said:

“Prison issues in general and the ongoing Prison Review in particular are high on the Committee’s agenda. In addition to the regular oral and written briefings we receive, the Committee is committed to visiting all three of Northern Ireland’s prisons.

“During our visit today we have met young offenders and female prisoners, staff and prison management. These groups of offenders present specific and complex challenges and it has been most informative to discuss these in detail today. We also saw the good work that is taking place, especially in conjunction with other organisations, to assist in reducing re-offending behaviour.”

The Committee is due to receive a briefing from the Chairperson, Dame Anne Owers and the members of the Prison Review Team in the coming weeks. The Committee will hear details of progress to date in relation to the Review and will discuss the emerging key issues and findings.