Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Lord Dodds of Duncairn

Tuesday 6th September 2016 Commons Chamber

[Elizabeth Truss]

As a Prisons Minister, my hon. Friend did tremendous work in this area; we are very much learning from the work that he carried out in the Department. He makes an important point, and I think we need to look at the overall culture in some of our best prisons. We have exemplary work going on, such as mentoring, and we need to make sure that that is happening right across our prison estate.

[Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP)]

The Secretary of State may be aware that the head of the prison service in Northern Ireland recently stood down. Attacks on prison staff are on the rise. Will the Secretary of State ensure that her Department engages actively with the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland to see what lessons can be learned and to try to improve safety in prisons in Northern Ireland?

[Elizabeth Truss]

I have been in touch with the Justice Minister in Northern Ireland, and I look forward to talking to her in due course.