The review follows the recommendations contained in the Fresh Start Panel Report and the Northern Ireland Executive’s commitment in the Executive Action Plan for Tackling Paramilitarism, Criminality and Organised Crime.

The new review is set to be conducted by Catherine Bell, a former Northern Ireland civil servant; Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, pro-vice chancellor for research and impact at Ulster University; and Duncan Morrow, a lecturer in politics and director of community engagement at Ulster University.

This team will “scope the review and engage with stakeholders over the summer”, the prison service confirmed.

Their findings are expected to be presented to NIPS in the autumn.