DAN KEENAN
A DISPUTE by 25 republicans over prison conditions in Maghaberry jail in Co Antrim has been settled.
There was warm acceptance last night for a deal involving prisoners' representatives, the prison service and outside mediators.
The prisoners involved had been confined to their cells and were involved in a form of "dirty protest".
There were fears that the issue could add to tensions on the streets ahead of tomorrow's Apprentice Boys marches.
The protest has been in place since Easter Sunday, when prisoners barricaded themselves in the jail canteen and damaged toilets in their cells.
There were indications last night that agreement was reached concerning prisoners' association and methods of searching among other contentious issues.
The settlement was greeted by the Stormont Justice Minister David Ford, Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin and the political parties.
A joint facilitation group, consisting of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Creggan Enterprises in Derry, and the Dialogue Advisory Group, met both parties to the dispute frequently over several weeks.
The facilitation group said in a statement last night: "The dialogue was carried out in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
"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 to end," said the statement.