In-person and virtual visits to any prison in Northern Ireland can now be booked via the nidirect.gov.uk website.

Justice minister Naomi Long said: “For people in prison, maintaining family contact is a key part of rehabilitation, and the introduction of this innovative system will support and encourage those important relationships.

“Our prisons deliver thousands of in-person and virtual visits every year and I’m delighted to learn that since the introduction of the online system in January almost 6,000 visits have been booked. The site also contains useful information to support those who are planning a prison visit.

“This new online prison visits booking system is a further demonstration of the Northern Ireland Prison Service’s commitment to delivering the best support possible to people in prison and their families.”

The new online booking facility can be accessed 24 hours a day. Visits can also be booked directly through telephoning the relevant prison visits booking office.