The Most Reverend Noel Treanor was invited to meet staff and people in custody involved in the “Families Matter” programme ahead of the World Meeting of Families in Dublin this month.

The Bishop was accompanied by NI Prison Service director-general Ronnie Armour and Maghaberry governor David Kennedy as he learned about the programme, which is run by the prison and Barnardo’s NI.

Mr Armour said: “We are delighted to welcome Bishop Treanor to see the innovative work taking place at Maghaberry to support fathers who are in custody. ‘Families Matter’ has been running for a number of years and is playing a key role in keeping families together. It allows fathers in prison to have enhanced visits and contact with their children to ensure that bond is not broken during their time in custody.

“The visit of the Pope later this month is a very significant event for the Catholic Church and the emphasis of family life is important. The impact on children of people in custody is often forgotten outside of prison, and I am grateful to the Bishop for taking time to meet our staff, Barnardo’s and the men on the programme, who are all making a real difference.”

Bishop Treanor added: “The importance of this highly innovative Families Matter programme within prison affirms the significance of family life and family relationships for the prisoners.

“I pay tribute to all those who have facilitated the ‘Families Matter’ programme since its implementation, in particular, Ronnie Armour, Head of NIPS and Maghaberry Prison Governor David Kennedy, the prison staff and the prison chaplains for having the vision, enterprise and courage to engage in this pioneering initiative which has benefited so many prisoners, their families and especially their children.”