Northern Ireland Prison Service Restrictions

A suspension of in-prison visits is among restrictions to be introduced by the Northern Ireland Prison Service in response to the measures announced by the Executive on Wednesday.

Director General Ronnie Armour said, “Following a discussion with the Justice Minister and in response to the announcement by the Executive, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has re-instated a number of measures to mitigate the risk against Covid-19 in our three prisons.

“From 6pm on Friday 16th October all in-person visits will be temporarily suspended and only essential staff will be permitted access to a prison unless agreed through the local Governor.

“Our focus remains the safety of the people working in our prisons and those in our care.  The restrictions are a proportionate response to the increased community transmission and will be reviewed in four weeks in line with the timeline set out by the Executive.”

Notes to editors: 

1. Media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via email at: press.office@justice-ni.x.gsi.gov.uk
2. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted out of hours on 028 9037 8110.

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