AN INSPECTION report into Magilligan Prison says more needs to be done to crack down on the use of illegal drugs by inmates.
The report said performance has slipped in the five years since its last inspection and action is needed to prevent further decline.
Inspectors acknowledged that the jail has good relationships between staff and prisoners with ”reasonable levels of safety”.
However, there was concern over the ”apparent lack of action” against prisoners using drugs.
It says drug dealing in the jail was “high” and there was no punishment for those caught.
The report from the Criminal Justice Inspection, the first since 2010, called for improvements to be made at the Co Derry prison.
Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice Brendan McGuigan said “greater efforts” are needed and opportunities need to be taken.
“To provide effective rehabilitation in Magilligan, the Prison Service needs to drive forward innovative solutions such as the development of social enterprise opportunities and ensure those delivering services in education and training are providing effective and relevant programmes.
“The Prison Service cannot of course achieve effective rehabilitation in isolation, and there are opportunities for local employers and education and skills providers to assist.
“With greater efforts and contribution from a range of local providers alongside the efforts of the Prison Service, I believe more effective rehabilitation could be provided which would benefit all.”
Justice Minister David Ford highlighted some of the positives but acknowledged that further work is required.
He said: “Magilligan Prison has achieved positive outcomes in three of the four healthy prison tests and the inspectors highlighted staff-prisoner relationships, levels of safety, and resettlement as areas where good work is being delivered.”
Director general of the Prison Service Sue McAllister said staff at Magilligan will “address the recommendations in the report”.