§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have for future development of HM Prison Maghaberry in relation to asylum seekers. [HL2066]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe have no plans for future development of Her Majesty's Prison Maghaberry in relation to asylum seekers.
194WA
§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied that current facilities in HM Prison Maghaberry are appropriate for the detention of those seeking asylum in the United Kingdom. [HL2067]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe are satisfied that the current facilities in Her Majesty's Prison Maghaberry are appropriate for the accommodation of immigration detainees who wish to remain in Northern Ireland rather than be transferred to an Immigration Service removal centre in Great Britain.
The location of immigration detainees at HMP Maghaberry is separate from the main prison population and every effort is made to cater for their needs. These detainees are managed as untried prisoners with a more favourable regime, which is more akin to that of enhanced prisoners.
§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied that all alternatives to HM Prison Maghaberry as a location for those seeking asylum in the United Kingdom have been examined. [HL2068]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalWe have no plans at present to end the use of Her Majesty's Prison Maghaberry for the very small numbers of immigration detainees who express a preference to remain in Northern Ireland rather than be transferred to an Immigration Service removal centre in Great Britain. The small numbers of individuals concerned, usually fewer than 10 at any one time, would not be sufficient to make a dedicated detention facility in Northern Ireland viable to establish or operate.