Brendan McGuigan

Mr McGuigan said the review, requested by the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS), would be a priority for him.

An earlier inspection report on the resettlement of Northern Ireland prisoners, published last May, found that the process was “operating effectively and used to support progression of prisoners with decisions rigorously scrutinised without being unnecessarily risk averse”.

However, NIPS director-general Ronnie Armour said the prison service “is never complacent and we are always looking for ways to improve how we work”.

He added: “By its very nature, pre-release testing is challenging. Judgments are often finely balanced and, on occasions, individuals will fail the testing process. This can attract criticism and undermine public confidence so for the avoidance of any doubt, I have asked Brendan McGuigan to carry out a robust and focused review of our pre-testing arrangements.

“I look forward to the results of the review would welcome any recommendations on how we can further improve our processes.”

Mr McGuigan said: “Pre-release testing is an important part of the rehabilitation and release planning work undertaken by the NIPS and it is important that the arrangements and procedures which are in place are robust and fit for purpose.

“I have prioritised this new inspection because of the need for public confidence in these arrangements to be maintained. The inspection team will assess their effectiveness and recommend any improvements which might strengthen the current arrangements in the interests of public safety.”