7. Mr Chambers asked the Minister of Justice to outline how she intends to monitor terrorism-related offenders throughout this mandate. (AQO 591/22-27)

In September 2021, my Department established the multi-agency review arrangements, known as MARA, to assess and manage the risks posed by terrorist risk offenders (TROs). That is in line with article 50 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, which makes provision for the management of offenders who may cause serious harm to the public. In discharging that function, MARA brings together the Department of Justice and supervising officers appointed on the Department’s behalf, along with representatives from the Northern Ireland Prison Service and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Terrorist risk offenders are managed under MARA from the point of conviction through to the expiry of their licence period. Under the arrangements, supervising officers work with partners to conduct risk assessments; prepare risk management plans; provide reports for review by the Parole Commissioners for Northern Ireland; and monitor those offenders who have been released into the community. Those arrangements enhance and support public protection.

Thank you, Minister. Will the Minister outline the annual cost to her Department of His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS)?

The Department has allocated around £500,000 for 2024-25 to support the deployment of supervising officers whose role it is to engage with TROs to support the assessment and management of their risk. The funding secures supervision officers and administrative staff — six and a half full-time equivalents — from HMPPS. The supervising officers are all qualified probation officers. My priority is keeping the public safe and delivering effective public protection. That can be a costly exercise, but savings are realised wherever possible.