An agreement has been reached in the dispute over conditions at Maghaberry jail, Co Antrim, involving 25 dissident republicans, the North's justice minister said tonight.
Efforts involving the Stormont department of justice and the Prison Service were held today amid growing concern over the current spate of dissident republican violence.
The Prison Service and inmates today reached their deal on a way forward following a negotiation process. The service and the prisoners involved have agreed to engage in a facilitation process.
A Joint Facilitation Group - consisting of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Creggan Enterprises and the Dialogue Advisory Group - met both parties on a number of occasions over the past several weeks.
“The welfare, safety and security of both staff and prisoners were central to the discussions and I’m pleased that an agreement has been reached which allows for revised arrangements and procedures, but in no way dilutes the security of the prison or those who work and live there,” Justice Minister David Ford said.
“A safe, secure and humane prison regime is at the heart of a ‘healthy prison’ and the full compliance of all parties with this agreement will lead to enduring stability.”
A spokesman for the joint facilitation group said: “The discussions were underpinned by concern for prisoners’ rights and welfare, protecting prison officer safety, and maintaining the high security of Maghaberry Prison.
“This dialogue has resulted in a positive outcome and agreement to enable the protest at Roe House to end.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin welcomed the resolution. In a statement he said the agreement "proves yet again that, with goodwill, agreements can be reached on difficult matters which respect the dignity of all sides".
"I look forward to implementation of the agreement at Maghaberry in a positive and constructive spirit by all sides.”
In response to the recent wave of bomb attacks, police and political leaders had appealed for public solidarity against the dissidents, while Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams was also careful to argue for prisoners’ rights in Maghaberry.
Republican Sinn Féin, which backed the prisoners in Maghaberry, have accused Mr Adams and Sinn Féin of being agents of British rule.