Low literacy amongst Magilligan prisoners is being addressed

JUSTICE Minister David Ford claims progress has been made improving low literacy amongst priosners in HMP Magilligan with 900 inmates having gained qualifications in the last three years.
By The Newsroom
Published 15th Apr 2012, 16:26 BST

East Londonderry MLA George Robinson asked him what action he was taking to address the reported low level of literacy among prisoners in the jail.

Mr Ford replied: “Taking Magilligan as an example, over 900 prisoners have gained a literacy-related qualification in the last three years. As noted earlier though, we need to do more, and work has already begun on identifying and implementing the further measures required to deliver better learning and skills services.

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“There is however both need and opportunity for more progress, particularly in collaboration with other Ministers.

“I am pleased that we are already seeing some positive results emerging from this more collaborative approach, with links established between the prisons and DEL’s providers of LEMIS – the Local Employment Intermediary Service, which is designed to help unemployed people in the community overcome issues - including low levels of literacy - that may be preventing them from finding and keeping a job.”

He said the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) was reviewing services available to prisoners and the method of their delivery; developing a draft Employability Strategy; revising IT policies to enable greater prisoner access; and arranging to address staff shortages.