HL Deb 26 February 2002 vol 631 c224WA
Lord Eames

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are satisfied with the current arrangements at HM Prison Maghaberry in Northern Ireland for the detention of those seeking asylum in the United Kingdom; and [HL2881]

Whether they have plans to provide an alternative to prison detention in Northern Ireland for those persons seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. [HL2883]

Lord Rooker

We are satisfied with the arrangements made at Her Majesty's (HM) Prison Maghaberry for the detention of asylum seekers and others but would accept that it is not an ideal situation. As a result, and following our review of immigration detention in Northern Ireland, we have instituted a policy of transferring persons detained in Northern Ireland to immigration removal centres on the mainland unless a specific request is made to stay in Northern Ireland, in which case the detainee in question will continue to be held at HM Prison Maghaberry. There remain no plans to establish a dedicated immigration detention facility in Northern Ireland.