Jimmy McGovern stated he felt "appalled" following his visits to young offender institutions. During his visits, McGovern observed that young boys with significant energy were confined to their cells for 23 hours daily, according to him.
McGovern further claimed that the keep-apart policy meant inmates were kept isolated from one another for extended periods. He alleged that this isolation allowed staff to "sit on their backsides all day and do nothing."
McGovern suggested that the keep-apart arrangements provided officers with an "excuse for being lazy." Conversely, the Prison Officers' Association (POA) countered that keep-aparts are vital for safety because of the constant risk of serious violence.
The POA also stated that McGovern's comments were "unfair" to the officers. McGovern maintained that staff should possess the capability to manage altercations among the offenders.
The Ministry of Justice, however, issued a statement confirming they do not accept claims regarding the diligence of prison staff.
