A three-person review team was appointed to examine constructive activity in separated prison accommodation at HMP Maghaberry under the Northern Ireland Executive’s anti-paramilitarism strategy.

The Report on Education and Training Opportunities for Prisoners in the Separated Regime in Northern Ireland concludes that it is in the “public interest” to deliver a similar level of education and other constructive activities within the separation regime.

The review team warned that there is a “prevailing attitude that ‘if prisoners choose to go into separation and have fewer opportunities for constructive activity as a result, that’s up to them’”.

The team added that they were “taken aback” to discover that an agreement with Belfast Metropolitan College (BMC) to provide learning and skills in Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood College does not cover the separated regime.

Former civil servant Catherine Bell chaired the review team, working alongside 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.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Ms Bell said: “I want to thank all who engaged with us in this important work. Working and living in separated accommodation is difficult, and we do not under-estimate the challenges that involves. While mindful of that, our role was to review the provision of constructive activity in this area.

“We strongly believe that every prisoner, regardless of their offence, should have equitable access to activities, including education and professional and technical training. This report reflects that and makes a number of recommendations which, if implemented, will deliver better outcomes for separated prisoners.”

Ronnie Armour, director-general of the Northern Ireland Prison Service, said: “I want to thank Catherine and the team for producing a comprehensive report with recommendations on the future provision of education and training opportunities for people in separated accommodation.

“The team acknowledges that working in separated conditions can be challenging and it is important that we take time to reflect on the Report findings and recommendations. As the Prison Service cannot deliver this alone, we will want to engage with other government departments, educational partners and those in the voluntary and community sector.”