Northern Ireland

Derry and Strabane councillors back republican prisoners over visit concerns

Republican inmates in Maghaberry Prison have threatened to launch a protest over visiting arrangements
Republican inmates in Maghaberry Prison have threatened to launch a protest over visiting arrangements

Three independent councillors in Derry and Strabane have supported republican prisoners who are campaigning for visiting arrangements introduced during the pandemic to be relaxed.

Gary Donnelly, Paul Gallagher and Sean Carr spoke out amid rising tensions over visiting conditions at Maghaberry Prison.

Earlier this month republican inmates threatened to launch a protest and called for talks to find a solution to the dispute.

Restrictions were placed on visiting arrangements at the north's prisons at the start of the pandemic but relaxed last year.

In-person visits resumed on January 31 according to officials.

In recent weeks Stormont chiefs have continued to lift wider Covid restrictions and republican inmates have recently questioned whether measures introduced in prisons are still needed.

Republicans say a maximum of three people are currently allowed to attend what they describe as "closed visits" where prison staff are present and loved ones are separated by a clear screen.

A concern highlighted by republicans centres on physical contact with children.

They say prisoners are only allowed physical contact with one child even if two are on the visit and if two children are in attendance a father must chose which one he hugs.

In a joint statement the three Derry and Strabane based councillors said: "They are trying to force prisoners to take visits in what can only amount to a hostile environment, with perspex screens, little or no physical contact and an intrusive prison guard presence.

"The effect this would have on families, in particular children would make the visit an intimidating and intrusive experience instead of one conducive with the rights of both visitors and prisoners.

"There is no reason why visiting conditions can not return to the pre-covid situation in tandem with the rest of society."

Earlier this week justice minister Naomi Long welcomed plans by the Prison Service to remove many of the restrictions introduced.

The Department of Justice said a "six-week road to recovery sets out what the Prison Service aims to have in place by Monday, April 4".

In a statement Ms Long said: “Among a range of work over the next six weeks will be plans to re-introduce contact visits, which I know will be welcomed by prisoners and their families.

"I am particularly pleased that virtual visits will also continue as they have been one of the great successes since their introduction in April 2020."