To ask the Minister of Justice to outline what formal guidance exists for the Northern Ireland Prison Service on the introduction and care of therapy or emotional-support animals in custodial environments.

The Prison Service takes its duty of care for animal safety and wellbeing very seriously. This was reinforced when the Governor of Magilligan invited Animal Welfare Officers from Mid & East Antrim Borough Council to carry out a full review of the care and welfare of an emotional support dog recently introduced at that establishment. These Officers were satisfied with every aspect of Bailey’s care and welfare.

Given the variation of the prisons estate and those held in custody in each, I am not of the view that formal guidance should override the contextual, careful and professional consideration required and applied when animals are introduced and used in prisons.