Prison visit 'positive'

The Sinn Fin team was accompanied by Michael Culbert of Coiste na nIarchim.

Speaking after the visit Mr O'Dowd described the meeting with Roe House prisoners as "a very positive engagement" in which the men had outlined their concerns.

"A range of issues were raised by the prisoners. They included complaints about a number of punitive actions such as the use of strip searching as harassment of both prisoners and their visitors and a range of other conditions-related issues that were very familiar to the former prisoners on the delegation," said Mr O'Dowd.

"It was clear that with the right political will that all of these issues could be resolved.

"The delegation also met with Liam Hannaway whose health has become a matter of concern," he added.

"After our 3 hour meeting with the prisoners, the delegation met with the governor again to outline their concerns and suggestions. In the coming period Sinn Fein will meet with the director general of the prison service, with representatives of the prison administration as well as the Minister for Justice, David Ford, regarding our deep concerns about the current situation for prisoners and their families in Maghaberry," he concluded