Majority of prison targets met

Maghaberry jail is NI's biggest prison

The annual report of the Prison Service of Northern Ireland has shown that the majority of its targets have been met over the past year.

The report, which was published on Thursday, shows that eight out of 11 key targets have been met - including those covering security, safety and expenditure.

However, it still costs more to hold a prisoner in Northern Ireland than anywhere else in the United Kingdom.

Figures show that each inmate is costing close to £69,000 to hold in prison each year.

The report is published as dissident republicans continue their protest at a County Antrim jail.

Ten prisoners are currently involved in the dispute over cell space and recent fires at Maghaberry Prison.

Eight others have been moved to a special supervision unit.