Mannin : Manx prison concerns - DHA respond
The Isle of Man Minister for Home Affairs, Martyn Quayle MHK, has responded to the concerns voiced by the Celtic League about the housing of adult and young offenders in the same section of the Isle of Man prison.
The League welcome the Ministers acceptance that the situation is 'not ideal'. We also share his hopes that the long overdue commissioning of new prison facilities on the Isle of Man (due shortly) will improve matters for both prisoners and the staff who service the prison and have had to cope with the brunt of of the current unsatisfactory situation.
However we cannot accept the Ministers contention that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has not breached international standards on the housing of young offenders. We understand that despite his assurances both categories of prisoner have been in contact - a specific situation being the distribution of medication.
The full text of the Ministers response is set out below:
"Thank you for your letter of the 12th January 2008 in connection with the housing of adult offenders in the young offenders section of the prison.
In this regard please accept my apology for the delay in responding to you on this important matter.
I have now ensured that the matter you have raised, with me, has been thoroughly investigated to ensure that the Isle of Man Prison is not in conflict with the Island's international obligations.
In this connection I am content that because adult prisoners are being kept separate from young offenders and there is no contact/association between them that the temporary situation is not in conflict with the Beijing Rules or indeed the European Prison Rules.
1 would be the first to accept that the situation is not ideal, however, as you are aware we are now fast approaching the opening of the new Prison which will, on the new Prison opening, remove the necessity to house adult offenders and young offenders in the same area.
I was most grateful to you for bringing this matter to my attention.
Kindest regards
Yours Sincerely
Hon Martyn Quayle MHK Minister for Home Affairs"
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
27/03/08
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