Reflecting on a scathing inspection in 2015 that declared HMP Maghaberry to be “unsafe and unstable”, new governor David Kennedy talks to David Whelan about the significant progress that has been made in recent years within the largest of Northern Ireland’s three prisons. An unannounced inspection in late 2018 pointed to “significant progress” being made...
Following the reconstitution of the policing board, PSNI deputy chief constable Stephen Martin looks ahead to the formulation of a new Policing Plan and discusses its ability to build on recent outcomes-focussed initiatives. In 2016, the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) agreed a number of long-term strategic outcomes...
A year after taking up post as permanent secretary at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Denis McMahon reflects on progress to date, challenges ahead and his vision going forward. DAERA is a department that delivers for farming businesses, rural and coastal communities and one that works hard to protect and enhance...
Speaking at Social Enterprise NI’s Social Value Conference 2019, permanent secretary for the Department of Finance, Sue Gray, outlines her department’s work and ambitions in supporting social economy in Northern Ireland. With 20 years of experience working within the Cabinet Office as director-general of the Propriety and Ethics Team, the expertise gained by to senior...
agendaNi’s David Whelan talks to head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service Ronnie Armour on completion of his first year in the role and discusses his vision for Prisons 2020, a programme...
Leading social justice charity Extern is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. agendaNi caught up with its CEO, Charlie Mack, who has just been named as a finalist in the upcoming...
The latest police recorded security situation statistics for Northern Ireland, covering the period from 1 January 2017 until 31 December 2017 indicate that “a significant threat still remains”. Figures from the PSNI’s...
Victim Support NI is home to Northern Ireland’s only specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advocate service supporting hundreds of sexual violence victims in Northern Ireland. “I wouldn’t have got this far if it...
In his final days in office as Director of the Public Prosecution Service, agendaNi meets with Barra McGrory to discuss his six-year tenure. Barra McGrory’s time in office has been turbulent. Upon...
Although the principles of policing remain constant, the world in which police and justice agencies operate has seen dramatic shifts in recent years. Keeping the peace, protecting life and delivering justice...
A report into Derry’s Magilligan prison has found that less than half of previous recommendations have yet to be implemented or initiated including addressing poorer outcomes for Catholic prisoners and introducing an...
Queen’s University Belfast lecturer John Topping explores stop and search powers as the most prevalent form of adversarial contact between the public and the PSNI. As a power originating in the 16th...
Over three years since the Stormont House Agreement set out a pathway for dealing with legacy in Northern Ireland, political parties are still divided on a resolution. With the launch of fresh...
Drugs, alcohol and a lack of discipline are perceived to be the main causes of Northern Ireland’s crimes according to the recent perceptions of crime survey. Designed to complement recorded crime figures...
