Ordinary Prison Officers targeted, but no action against Chief Executive condemned in Wright inquiry!
14 December 2010
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-
“As the Justice Minister talks grandly about a need for culture and management change in the Prison Service, it’s a pity that the Head of the Civil Service, Bruce Robinson, has confirmed to me in a letter that no action is intended against the former Chief Executive of the Prison Service, Alan Shannon, for his failings at the time of Billy Wright’s murder.
“The litany of failings found by Lord MacLean within NIPS, while under Mr Shannon’s control and direction, is quite shocking. In addition to direct personal criticisms as head of NIPS, he should not escape responsibility for multiple failings which Lord MacLean variously classified as ‘wrongful acts and omissions’ or ‘wrongful omissions’ which contributed either directly or indirectly the murder of Wright. There are several relevant findings within the report, including 8.132, 12.67, 13.143, 16.12, 16.17, 16.18, 16.19 and at 13.121-125
“Individually and cumulatively these were deplorable failings, made all the more appalling by the judicial finding that many of them facilitated murder in the prison. Yet, the man with ultimate responsibility as Chief Executive continues, unaffected, to hold high Civil Service office, Permanent Secretary of DEL.
“I, for one, do not understand, nor do I believe will the general public, how one so comprehensively found wanting can continue in one of the highest public service offices in the land. If the process of expensive public inquiry is to mean anything, then its judicial findings must have consequences, and be seen to have such. Yet, under this Stormont regime the Head of the Civil Service comes out and boldly declares no disciplinary action will be taken.
“Yet, today, ordinary prison officers and their organisation are in the ministerial firing line, but if you were Chief Executive when a prisoner’s murder was facilitated by ‘wrongful acts and omissions’ you get a pat on the back and continue as if it never happened!”
