Ford outlines priorities to Justice Committee

5.28.00pm GMT Thu 22nd Apr 2010

Justice Minister, David Ford

Justice Minister, David Ford outlined his priorities during his first meeting with the Assembly's Justice Committee and said their working relationship will be critical to the delivery of an effective justice system.

Mr Ford said: "Justice agencies will have a key role to play in helping to build a shared future in which everyone feels safe, and devolution provides a real opportunity for us to shape a justice system that meets local needs. The Assembly's Justice Committee will be central to this process and I very much look forward to working closely together.

"Our programme of work will be extensive. Together we will be responsible for developing and delivering policies and initiatives that will make a real difference to the people of Northern Ireland.

Referring to the issues identified in the Hillsborough Castle Agreement which could be progressed by the Department of Justice, the Minister said: "Among the key issues referred to was a review of the conditions of detention, management and oversight of all prisons. In relation to this, I have today written to the First Minister and deputy First Minister advising them that I intend to initiate a rolling review.

"The first part will review the regime at Maghaberry Prison. The recent Pearson Audit Report stressed the importance of developing the regime at Maghaberry for all prisoners there, and I am keen to ensure current progress is substantially built upon. I will advise the Committee and Assembly when arrangements for the review are finalised."

The Minister concluded: "I want to see real delivery for all of the people of Northern Ireland and feel that the best way to achieve this is to work in partnership. I view my first meeting with the Justice Committee as the beginning of what I fully expect will be a fruitful partnership."