Just 29% of Magilligan staff from Limavady

East Lononderry MLA George Robinson asked the Minister how many Magilligan employees actually live in Limavady.

He explained: “Four hundred and forty four staff currently work at Magilligan Prison. One hundred and twenty seven of those staff currently reside in the Limavady Borough area.

“Of those staff who reside in the Limavady Borough area, 18 are considered to be non mobile grades.”

The Minister was separately asked by East Londonderry MLA David McClarty how many prisoners in Magilligan had addresses, prior to imprisonment, within a 50-mile radius of the jail.

Mr Ford stated: “56 prisoners currently reside in Magilligan Prison who, prior to imprisonment, had an address that was within a 50-mile radius of the prison prior to imprisonment.”

He added: “354 prisoners had an address that was outside a 50-mile radius of Magilligan Prison prior to imprisonment; a further 19 prisoners were identified as having No Fixed Abode.”

The Minister advised that a 50-mile radius includes most of County Tyrone and County Antrim, though not Greater Belfast.