Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“Having received reports about the deteriorating situation in Maghaberry I tabled a question inquiring about the number of fires in the prison over the last year. As a result I have discovered that between 1st June 2014 and 31st May 2015 there have been 28 deliberate fires and the Fire Service has had to call out to the prison to attend 17 of these incidents.
“I will be pressing the Minister further on the cost of damage caused. However, these statistics already suggest that there is a serious problem in Maghaberry. It is incumbent upon the Minister to get a grip on the situation and ensure that the authorities have proper control within the prison system.”