During Oral Questions to the Justice Minister, Mr David Ford was asked what communication he has had with the Criminal Justice Inspection since the conclusion of its report into the Maghaberry prison in January 2016. The Minister confirmed “given the importance of the reinspection of Maghaberry prison, I spoke to the chief inspector of Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland during that process. As Members will be aware, the reinspection was completed on 15 January. I have not spoken to Mr McGuigan since then, and I await publication of the report.
The Minister was also asked about the Maghaberry Prison Visitor’s Centre and to outline the outcome of the tender process. The Minister stated “the contract for the provision of visitors’ centres at Maghaberry, Magilligan and Hydebank Wood was awarded to PeoplePlus, and the contract commenced on 1 December last. As was the case with previous visitors’ centre contracts, this tender was issued as an open bid facilitated by the Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) of DFP. This was tendered in line with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The bids received were evaluated by an independent panel in accordance with the advertised criteria. The most economically advantageous tender was successful”.
Justice Minister also answered questions on the Community Safety College, Police Stations, Interpretation Costs and Cross-border Discussions on Agricultural Crime.