To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will ensure that condoms are made available in prisons in Northern Ireland to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. (185860)

I reviewed this matter very recently. The incidence of HIV and hepatitis infection in Northern Ireland is low and a survey published by the Northern Ireland Prison Service in 2005 showed that the incidence of blood borne infections in its establishments was very low indeed. Therefore, although the issue will be kept under review, there are no current plans to make condoms freely available to prisoners.