Derry Daily
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
Sunday 16°CMonday 17°C

Derry Daily Derry Daily Derry Daily

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Sport
  • Features
  • Courts
  • Business
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Jobs
NewsPolitics

Change of policy on paramilitary books in North’s jails

written by John July 1, 2019
ShareTweet

Dissident republicans held in Maghaberry prison

THE NI Prison Service has made changes to its policy on which books are allowed into its prisons.

Director general Ronnie Armour ordered a review after it emerged that inmates at Maghaberry Prison were unable to access a book on dissident republicanism.

He met the book’s author, the academic Dr Marisa McGlinchey, to brief her on the new guidelines.

Until this case arose, no books relating to terrorism or paramilitaries were allowed into the jail.

The review found this policy was “not proportionate”.

From now on, books will be allowed into the prison “unless they breach specific guidelines which include the promotion of, or support for terrorism/paramilitaries, or overtly promote or encourage the commission of criminal acts”.

If there are concerns about a particular book, these will be reviewed by a deputy governor, and if a ban is upheld, there will be an appeals procedure.

The NI Prison Service said this was “an in-depth review, which had prompted serious discussions” in the service.

It accepted that the blanket ban was not appropriate, adding that it was a “changing organisation and learning organisation”.

Dr McGlinchey said Mr Armour had explained to her that the blanket ban on any books about terrorism or paramilitaries had been introduced because the prison service wished to have a neutral environment.

The director general stressed that prison officers were still living with the impact of the Troubles and “ongoing violence”, citing the murders of David Black in 2012 and Adrian Ismay in 2016, both by the New IRA.

Dr McGlinchey said she was pleased with the outcome, describing her meeting with Mr Armour as constructive and genuine.

“It was clear that the matter had been taken very seriously,” she said.

Change of policy on paramilitary books in North’s jails was last modified: July 1st, 2019 by John

Tags:
academic Dr Marisa McGlincheyChange of policy on paramilitary books in North's jailsDirector general Ronnie Armourdissident republican inmatesMAGHABERRY PRISON
ShareTweet
John

LEAVE A COMMENT

You may also like

Man charged to court over Derry drugs...

12 hours ago

Rory Gallagher Festival gets green light for...

13 hours ago

Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

1 day ago

Boyce hat-trick sends Derry City into seventh...

2 days ago

Dance company loses appeal over 100% annual...

2 days ago

Unmissable music events coming to the Abbey...

2 days ago

New leaflet to help older people beat...

2 days ago

Man charged with possessing indecent images of...

2 days ago

Positive discussions with Transport Minister on NW...

3 days ago

Sadness as mother of girl (6) killed...

3 days ago

Keep in touch

Facebook Twitter Email

Features

  • Sun, sea, spectacular views, historical charm and fabulous food. Tunisia of course

    April 5, 2024
  • Magical trip to see Santa from Belfast

    December 20, 2023
  • DD Travel Feature: Cork’s amazing The Montenotte Hotel

    April 18, 2023
  • Derry cancer survivor Noeleen McMorris reveals importance of awareness

    July 25, 2022
  • Competition! Win tickets to Northern Ireland v England Women’s Euro 2022 match

    June 17, 2022

Courts

  • Man charged to court over Derry drugs seizure

    July 6, 2025
  • Drink-driver charged to court over Derry collision

    July 5, 2025
  • Derry priest faces seven more child sex charges

    July 4, 2025
  • Man charged with possessing indecent images of children

    July 4, 2025
  • Two men in court after £1.2m cannabis find near border

    July 3, 2025

Donegal Daily

    Read More

    • News
    • Sport
    • Courts
    • Jobs
    • Features
    • Business
    • Politics

    Information

    • Contact Us
    • About
    • Advertise WIth Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    Derry Daily

    © 2025 Derry Daily. All rights reserved.


    Back To Top

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkPrivacy policy