Attachment A
OPTIONS RAISED
DURING CONSULTATION
1. Maintain Status Quo
Very difficult to do, particularly if, as is
likely, protests become more widespread or escalate and the number
of paramilitary prisoners continues to increase. Prison staff
might well be put at even more risk. And we note in passing that
it is only for so long that the system can go on returning prisoners
from the special secure unit after punishment in the full knowledge
that they will foul their cells to the detriment of everyone on
the wing.
2. A Degree of Separation
The only method of achieving this which the
Review Team has identified would involve placing clusters of Republicans
and Loyalists in cells at each end of a landing with ordinary
criminals in between. Control of movement between the two halves
of the wing would bring some increase in safety but would be unlikely
to lead to the end of protests for separation. In addition, ordinary
criminals would be even more open to bullying and recruitment
than at present.
3. Use Cell Blocks At Maze
Removing protesting prisoners to the Maze, where
we understand two blocks remain functional, would be likely to
lead to Maze-style segregation for both Republican and Loyalist
prisoners. It would constitute a big backward step for the Prison
Service and would be seen as such in the community.
4. Use of Magilligan
High security prisoners could be moved from
Maghaberry to the H block accommodation at Magilligan on separation
with the lower risk Magilligan prisoners replacing them at Maghaberry.
This would permit Maghaberry to operate as an integrated establishment.
However, "Maze at Magilligan" would again be a step
backwards. We note in passing that Magilligan is currently working
well.
5. Compounds
The establishment of compounds with military
guards might well be welcomed by paramilitary prisoners and would
permit Maghaberry to operate normally but in every other way would
be unacceptable.
6. Religious Separation
If Maghaberry was separated on religious lines
the paramilitary prisoners might well feel safer but the ordinary
criminals would have been delivered into their hands.
7. Separation By Paramilitary Affiliation
This could provide a safer environment provided:
— staff remain on landings;
— normal lock-ups are applied; and
— prisoners have the option of mixed
accommodation.
In other words, Maze-style segregation is out
of the question on safety grounds and the Government and Prison
Service would have to make it clear beyond doubt that 24 hour
unlock and the withdrawal of staff are not negotiable. The staff
involved would require special training and strong support. Prisoners
would be subject to punishment for misbehavior, perhaps using
the Port Laoise model of loss of visits or television for a period
instead of cellular confinement. In serious cases removal of a
prisoner to another jurisdiction might be considered.
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