Gerry Kelly has asked for an urgent meeting with criminal justice inspector, Kit Chivers to discuss his report into Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre.
The Junior Minister, who along with Jeffrey Donaldson, has special responsibility for children and young people, said he was deeply concerned about the prison inspection report.
"The report makes for disturbing reading with the inspectors finding the Prison Service unable to meet even the very basic needs of these young men.
"I am very concerned to learn that juveniles are treated inappropriately on arrival with the procedures found to be brusque and intimidating. That the quality of the food is poor, opportunities for exercise rare and young offenders are spending most of their day locked up in a cell is deeply worrying,” he said.
"These young men also need adequate opportunities to learn and develop new skills with education and training clearly linked to their resettlement programmes. What does it say about us as a society that this is how we treat our young offenders.
"I note the fact that the authorities have taken the recommendations on board and I will be keeping a close eye on future developments. I will now be seeking an urgent meeting with Kit Chivers and intend to seek a visit to Hydebank to speak to both inmates and the governor to hear their views," Minister Kelly added.
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