The minister said: “I visited Hydebank last year to see at first hand the educational facilities provided for the young men by the NIO. Following the visit I wrote in November to Shaun Woodward and also to the Human Rights Commissioner to highlight my real concerns about poor provision of educational opportunities. I also raised these issues during a separate meeting with Paul Goggins.
“This report from the prisons inspector is to be welcomed, but it must prompt an immediate programme of improvements. It validates concerns I raised last year about educational provision and also identifies many other areas for urgent attention. These young men deserve to be given appropriate opportunities to improve their resettlement prospects, and education can help do that.”
Notes to Editors:
- Media queries to the Department of Education Press Office on 028 9127 9755. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
