Long praises new online prison visits booking system

The Northern Ireland Prison Service is leading the way in offering the first fully online visit booking system across UK prisons.

In-person and virtual visits to any prison in NI can now be booked at Book a visit to prison | nidirect.

Viewing the new online facility, Minister Long said, “For people in prison, maintaining family contact is a key part of rehabilitation, and the introduction of this innovative system will support and encourage those important relationships.”

“Our prisons deliver thousands of in-person and virtual visits every year and I’m delighted to learn that since the introduction of the online system in January almost 6,000 visits have been booked.  The site also contains useful information to support those who are planning a prison visit.”

“This new online prison visits booking system is a further demonstration of the Northern Ireland Prison Service’s commitment to delivering the best support possible to people in prison and their families.”

The booking facility can be accessed 24-hours-a-day.  Visits can also be booked directly through telephoning the relevant prison visits booking office.

Notes to editors: 

1. PHOTO CAPTION: Justice Minister Naomi Long views the new Online Prison Visits Booking System with David Kennedy, Director of Prisons.
2. Department of Justice media enquiries should be directed to the Department of Justice Press Office via email
3. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @NIPrisons @Justice_NI
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted out of hours on 028 9037 8110.

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