Report finds 13 Maghaberry prisoners overdosed

257 prisoners have been taken to hospital from Maghaberry prison in six months

Thirteen prisoners have been taken to hospital from Maghaberry prison after overdosing on prescription drugs in the last six months.

New information released by the Department of Justice shows that a total of 257 prisoners have been taken to hospital over the same time period.

The Prison Service said it costs on average £500 to transport a prisoner to and from hospital.

The DUP's Jonathan Craig said he was "absolutely startled " by the figures.

He initially raised the issue after receiving complaints from "local ambulance crews who had to transport a number of prisoners up and down from Maghaberry on a very frequent basis".

He said: "It was becoming clear to them that some of these prisoners were abusing this situation."

"When you look at drugs, whether they are prescribed or illegal, they are the main source of bartering within the prison system."

Mr Craig said he appreciated some cases would have been necessary but emphasised that the prison has its own medical facilities.

"There will be genuine cases in there, some of them because of the nature of their illness will need outside medical intervention," he said.