"Loyalist prisoners are currently engaged in disruptive actions allegedly in protest at the implementation of new regulations. The UFF have issued death threats against the prison staff and authorities.

"In response the prisons director, Alan Shannon, has given assurances in line with the UFF demands. Prison officer's boss Finlay Spratt, previously vocal in demands for a clamp down on political prisoners conditions, has adopted a Pontious Pilate approach, placing any settlement between the prisoners and prison authorities.

"On Saturday last Loyalist prisoners from H1 attacked republican prisoners waiting to be processed for visits. Yesterday Television pictures graphically displayed republicans relatives running the gauntlet of verbal and physical abuse as they exited the prison.

"INLA prisoners have made clear their opposition to the placing of Billy Wright in H-block 6. They also have difficulties with the proposed new prison regulations. The IRSP counselled that they should not initiate protest actions while we attempt to resolve these matters through dialogue with the prison authorities. Indeed, we intervened to ensure a speedy and peaceful resolution of the hostage situation in Maghaberry prison.

"Yet, the prison authorities seem impervious to reasoned dialogue and seem only open to argument through threats and the use of force.