Naomi Long: ‘Prisons must be places of hope, rehabilitation and support’

Marking Prisons Week (13-18 October), Beverley Wall, Director General of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, visited Maghaberry Prison where a play and storytelling event about the history of Maghaberry - originally a bustling airfield and home to RAF Maghaberry - and its role in World War II was staged for prisoners. The special event was hosted by Off the Cuff Drama Society, Southern Eastern Health and Care Trust and Spanner in the Works Theatre Company. Included in the picture is Patricia Downey, from the Spanner in the Works Theatre Company.

Justice Minister Naomi Long has said that prisons must be places of hope, rehabilitation and support, as she marked the start of Prisons Week 2025 (12–18 October).

Highlighting the growing challenges facing Northern Ireland’s prison system, the Minister emphasised the importance of addressing the “spiritual, emotional, social and practical needs” of both staff and prisoners in order to achieve meaningful rehabilitation and reduce re-offending.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said:

“The delivery of rehabilitation has become increasingly challenging due to the rising prison population and the resultant pressure on both staff resources and the capacity of our support services.

“Despite the many challenges in our prisons however, our staff continue to support and encourage prisoners through our rehabilitative programmes. The fact that prisons have remained stable is testament to the dedication and professionalism of everyone, including partner agencies, who are working to keep people safe and to support them to change.”

Prisons Week, which runs from 12–18 October, is a national initiative that encourages reflection on the experiences of those affected by the criminal justice system – including prisoners, their families, victims of crime, staff, and community support networks.

Reflecting on the week’s significance, Minister Long added:

“Prisons Week is an opportunity to consider the needs of all those affected by prisons: prisoners and their families, victims of crime and their communities, those working in the criminal justice system and the many people who are involved in caring for those affected by crime on the inside and outside of our prisons.

“It is important we take time to reflect and look at how we can all work together to make a difference for people who are out of sight and often out of mind.

“Prisons must be places of hope, rehabilitation and support. That is how we serve everyone in Northern Ireland.”

The Minister’s comments come amid ongoing discussions around prison reform and the need for investment in rehabilitative services, as Northern Ireland’s prison population continues to rise.

The Department of Justice has reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Northern Ireland Prison Service, voluntary organisations, and faith-based groups to help transform lives and create safer communities through effective rehabilitation.