A small team of inspectors made an unannounced visit in April to review progress since the last full inspection.

Inspectors visiting the prison in May 2015 had reported a prison in crisis, with serious failures in leadership and culture. An inspection in January 2016 inspection found signs of progress which appear to have continued in April 2017, but inspectors say there remain major issues.

Their latest report highlights concerns around prisoners’ mental health, use of drugs and risk of suicide and self-harm. It also states that the use of the prison by the Northern Ireland courts as a safe place while mental health assessments take place is inappropriate.

Brendan McGuigan, chief inspector of criminal justice in Northern Ireland, welcomed “the drive, determination, innovation and creativity being shown by the leadership team and staff to stabilise the prison and improve the outcomes for those committed to their care”.

He continued: “Healthcare and educational provision is improving and I welcome the commitment and actions of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (SEHSCT) and the Belfast Met to raise standards.

“I am encouraged with the ongoing operations to stem the flow of illicit drugs into the prison, however the issuse of prescription medication and the tendency of some prisoners to experiment with any substance available to get a ‘high’ remains an issue.

“The numbers of vulnerable prisoners remained high and their care and management presented a real challenge to the staff on the landings at Maghaberry.

“I am concerned that despite the critical reports into deaths in custody and serious self-harm, some important lessons have not been learnt.

“This prison does not provide the therapeutic environment that is required for prisoners with complex needs and the courts should be aware of these limitations when committing people to prison for mental health assessments.

“The management and delivery of effective Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) care plans for some men assessed to be at risk of suicide and self-harm remained unacceptable and requires urgent attention.

“I believe there is a real desire to deal with the underlying issues that threaten the safety of both staff and prisoners at Maghaberry and I welcome the ongoing contributions being made by the many groups and individuals within the prison staff and outside bodies in support of that aim.”