asked Her Majesty's Government:
How many (a) young offenders, and (b) women in Northern Ireland were in custody on 1 January in each of the past 10 years. [HL1240]
In answering this Question, the term young offenders covers all males at Hydebank Wood, including those aged under 18 (sometimes called juveniles) and those over 21 allowed exceptionally to complete their sentences at Hydebank Wood. In respect of females, there are two categories, those under 21 and those over.
The following tables provide the information on the date closest to 1 January, for which it is available.
Prior to 2003 figures for females under 21 were not recorded separately—for those years they are included in the figures in column 3.
Date Males Females under 21 Females 21 and over 7 January 2008 166 2 37 3 January 2007 188 3 32 9 January 2006 166 0 24 6 January 2005 191 5 19 8 January 2004 164 0 22 6 January 2003 145 1 18
Prior to 2003
Date Males Females under 21 Females 21 and over 7 January 2002 122 - 16 1 January 2001 77 - 14 4 January 2000 73 - 13 4 January 1999 133 - 16 2 January 1998 137 - 28
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will take into account the lack of public transport to Magilligan, and consequent difficulties for family members visiting prisoners, when deciding on the site for a new prison in Northern Ireland. [HL1349]
In reaching the decision about the site for a new prison which was announced on 18 December, issues in relation to location and access to Magilligan were considered as part of the comprehensive options appraisal, published on the same day.
In taking forward the development and delivery of the new prison, the Prison Service has committed to carry out a full equality impact assessment (EQIA) which will give consideration to the needs of families and the services and facilities to support these.
The Prison Service conducted a detailed visitors survey in October 2006 in which over four-fifths of respondents said that they did not have any problems with travel arrangements to Magilligan prison, over three-quarters of respondents normally travel to Magilligan by “private car”. The Prison Service currently funds NIACRO to provide a transport service to Magilligan originating from Belfast (three days per week) and Dungannon/Cookstown (once a month).
In addition the prison provides a bus service from Bellarena station to the prison on Wednesdays and Saturdays. In recognition of the distance to Magilligan, the service operates extended morning and afternoon visiting sessions. Special arrangements can be made for family visitors to attend both morning and afternoon, especially where they have been unable to attend frequently.