The Justice Minister provided an estimated cost for operating “separation as a distinct unit within Maghaberry Prison”
The cost of keeping paramilitaries apart behind bars in Northern Ireland has grown to more than £2 million per year, according to new figures released at Stormont.
Justice Minister Naomi Long provided a breakdown of the costs of maintaining the separation of paramilitary prisoners at Maghaberry, following a query from the former UUP leader Doug Beattie.
The Minister said the estimated cost of operating “separation as a distinct unit within Maghaberry Prison” was £2.1 million in 2024/25.
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She had been asked for the figures by Mr Beattie through Stormont’s written Assembly Question mechanism.
Mrs Long said: “The cost to the Prison Service for holding separated prisoners in appropriate conditions at Maghaberry Prison and Hydebank Wood is significant. It is estimated that it cost NIPS £2.1M in 2024/25 to operate separation as a distinct unit within Maghaberry Prison. This figure comprises of staff costs and learning and skills provision only.
“This figure for the operation of separation does not include the costs to NIPS relating to unique threat to prison officers in NI, and which necessitates additional security measures (i.e. the payment of a supplementary risk allowance, protective measures for officers’ homes, personal security apparatus etc.)”
She continued: “Primarily these additional costs include the Supplementary Risk Allowance (c.£6M annually) and personal security measures for staff (c. £0.2M annually).
“Since devolution NIPS and the DOJ have repeatedly made the case to the Northern Ireland Office that NIPS baseline budget includes an unfunded pressure for the costs it incurs in managing terrorist related offenders in custody.”
The Minister added: “Despite financial constraints and competing objectives, we have continued to ensure that we meet our responsibilities for holding individuals accused or convicted of serious terrorist offences, and/or with a confirmed association to a terrorist organisation, in secure custody and under the control and discipline of prison officers.”
The cost of maintaining separation at Maghaberry Prison in each of the last three years is as follows:
- 2022 – 2023 £1,660,000
- 2023 – 2024 £1,809,000
- 2024 – 2025 £2,061,000
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