'Catholic shortage' in jail staff

The SDLP said just 9% of Northern Ireland prison staff were Catholics

The Northern Ireland Prison Service needs to do more to encourage Catholics to join its staff, the SDLP has urged.

SDLP justice spokesman Alban Maginness said radical measures were needed to bring about a balanced workforce.

Responses to Parliamentary questions have revealed that just 9% of prison officers are Catholics, he said.

"Much has happened since the ceasefires and the Agreement," he said. "It is up to the Prison Service now to examine ways to attract Catholics."