Section Four National Preventive Mechanism member profiles of the prison, except those which governors are obliged to keep confidential. Each member who visits the prison reports on his visit to the board. The board reports any matters of concern to the prison governor or, in serious cases, to the Secretary of State. In addition, the board makes an annual report to the Secretary of State detailing its work and any advice or suggestions the board may have.70 Summary of activities During 2009–10, each of the three Independent Monitoring Boards in Northern Ireland published reports of their activities the previous year. The annual report of the board for Hydebank Wood, for example, included a detailed overview of members’ observations as well as 54 recommendations. In line with Article 19(c) of OPCAT, boards also have the opportunity to comment on Prison Service policy. For example, in 2009, the three boards collectively commented on a draft Prison Service strategy for working with and supporting the families of prisoners. Key issues The three boards identified many issues affecting prisoners in Northern Ireland, some of which were common to all three establishments. For example, all three boards commented on the lack of specialist provision for offenders with severe mental health problems. They noted that prison tends not to be the most appropriate setting for such offenders. The boards for both Maghaberry and Magilligan recommended that more should be done to tackle drug use in prison and both noted the lack of accessible facilities for disabled prisoners. The board for Hydebank Wood noted the challenges that the establishment faces when trying to meet the needs of the various categories of prisoners accommodated there. For example, it described the lack of daily access to fresh air as being a particular problem for the 15 to 17-year-olds who must be kept separate from the adult population. In addition, it expressed concern at the use of force to manage the behaviour of juveniles. The board for Hydebank Wood also voiced disquiet at the amount of time prisoners spend in their cells due to unscheduled ‘lockdowns’ caused by industrial action and a high level of staff sickness. Such lockdowns result in prisoners eating meals in cells with in-cell sanitation. Looking forward A key challenge facing Independent Monitoring Boards in the next year will be performing their role in the face of budget cuts. This will not only impact on the work of the boards themselves, but also on the prisons which they visit. For example, the board for Magilligan is concerned that much of the accommodation there is old but is unlikely to be replaced given funding constraints. 70 From 12 April 2010, concerns will be reported, and annual reports will be made, to the Justice Minister rather than the Secretary of State. 55