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| Prisoners segregated to defuse Ireland jail protest |
| By Belfast Telegraph |
| Published: 09/17/2003 |
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Segregation of loyalists and republicans in Ireland's Maghaberry jail will not lead to a Maze-style regime where the inmates control parts of the prison, the Government insisted as it confirmed plans to separate the two sides. Security Minister Jane Kennedy announced that the Government will segregate republican and loyalist prisoners from each other and from ordinary criminals in an attempt to halt inmate attacks. The move follows the recommendation of a fast-track review of safety in Maghaberry. The review was prompted by attacks and protests involving paramilitary prisoners, and related attacks on the homes of prison officers. Dissident republicans have also threatened a hunger strike. The report, by former civil servant John Steele and ex-prison chaplains Fr Kevin Donaghy and Canon Barry Steele, recommended segregation after considering a number of other options, including the re-opening of the Maze prison. But their report also made it clear that further concessions to prisoners must not be allowed. Since the Maze closed three years ago, prison authorities have resisted segregation in Maghaberry because in the old prison regime, it contributed directly to paramilitary control of the H-blocks. The Steele report said segregation at Maghaberry would lead to a safer environment if prison staff keep working in the paramilitary areas and prisoners are locked up for part of the day. Ms Kennedy said the Government is determined that segregation at Maghaberry 'will not lead to a breakdown of the whole regime'. She pledged government support for prison officers, and said they will also need support from the wider community. The Minister said she would also consider other recommendations for better staffing at Maghaberry and the introduction of a prisons ombudsman. She said it will take 'a short while' to introduce the new segregation regime. |
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