To ask the Minister of Justice to detail (i) the operational capacity of each prison; (ii) the current occupancy levels against that capacity; and (iii) any actions being taken to manage population pressures within the prison estate.

On 1 May 1,396 prisoners were being held in Maghaberry Prison, 503 in Magilligan Prison and 163 at Hydebank Wood. The operational capacity of Maghaberry is 1,631, Magilligan is 512 and Hydebank Wood is 353.

Whilst these figures represent the capacity at a point in time, the actual number of spaces available to accommodate individuals can vary dependent upon a range of factors including the size and configuration of cohorts within the population, appropriate use of cell sharing, maintenance work etc.

The Prison Service has responded to substantial and sustained population increases by using all suitable accommodation at both Magilligan and Maghaberry and maximising the use of cell sharing. The balance of the population between Maghaberry and Magilligan is also being closely monitored and managed. The objective is to deliver the best prison regimes and services possible within available resources.

As well as these operational responses the Prison Service is expediting the development of a business case for emergency permanent cellular accommodation, to address the unprecedented increase in prisoner numbers and reduce the impact of crowding issues across the adult male estate.

My ongoing focus is to secure the resources the Prison Service needs to deliver safe, decent, secure and rehabilitative custody.