Northern Ireland Prison Service

Northern Ireland written statement – made at on 11 July 2006.

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Photo of Paul Goggins Paul Goggins Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Northern Ireland Office

I have placed copies of the Northern Ireland Prison Service's Annual Report and Accounts for 2005-06 in the Libraries of both Houses.

The annual report details that the Service met 10 of its 11 key targets. It also outlines that of the comprehensive programme of development objectives set for the Service, 17 were achieved, 16 were partially achieved and substantial progress made towards meeting the remaining five.

Key Business Area Key Targets Outturn
Security No escape for top and high-risk prisoners NOT MET — on 7 June 2005, a high risk prisoner escaped from the custody of Maybin Security Services at Lisburn Magistrates Court. (The prisoner has since been recaptured).
No more than 3 escapes per 1000 medium and low risk prisoners MET — No escapes in this category
Safety The number of staff assaulted by prisoners is less than a ratio of 5 per 100 prisoners MET — Outturn for the year was 0.5 per cent.
The number of prisoners assaulted by prisoners is less than a ratio of 6 per 100 prisoners MET — Outturn for the year was 0.4 per cent.
Regimes and Reducing Re-Offending An average of at least 18 hours constructive activity per week for each sentenced prisoner. MET — 20.3 hours per week achieved.
An average of at least 9 hours constructive activity per week for each remand prisoner. MET — 13.5 hours per week achieved.
To ensure 82.5 per cent. of prisoners serving six months or more are working to a resettlement plan and that 95 per cent. of lifers work to a resettlement plan, including preparation of the plan, in the first six months from sentence. MET — Outturn of 94 per cent. for determinate prisoners and 98.9 per cent. for life sentence prisoners.
Staff and Developing the Service Deliver at least 85 per cent. of the planned training days associated with the agreed corporate priorities. MET — The actual average training days delivered was 5.9 per member of staff.
Reduce the rate of absenteeism to an annual average of no more than 19 days head. MET — A total of 14.2 days per officer was achieved, bettering target of 14.5 days.
Finance Corporate Governance and Improving Business Performance Ensure the average cost per prisoner place does nor exceed £86,290 MET — The actual cost per prisoner place in 2005-06 was £85,900
Lay the annual report and audited accounts before Parliament prior to the summer recess. MET — Annual report and audited accounts laid before Parliament on 19 July 2005.