Demonstrators protested at loyalist prisoners' conditions

The demonstration at Maghaberry jail near Lisburn on Sunday was in protest at conditions under which loyalist prisoners are held.

The protest which lasted for about an hour was organised by the Ulster Political Research Group and a prisoners group.

Tommy Kirkham of the UPRG, which is linked to the loyalist paramilitary Ulster Defence Association, claimed understaffing was causing problems at the prison.

"We're not asking for anything that isn't normal in any other prison in the United Kingdom," he said.

"We're asking for access to legal visits for prisoners, we're asking for educational facilities, we're asking for fair treatment for when anyone is in default of prison rules.

"Loyalists should be treated the same as republicans - not more severely."

A review of safety at Northern Ireland's main prison is to be published on Monday.

The report, commissioned by Secretary of State Paul Murphy, was carried out by John Steele, the former controller of prisons and a former director of security policy at the Northern Ireland Office.

BBC NI security editor Brian Rowan said the report is expected to recommend separating republican and loyalist prisoners, but the type of segregation which led to years of paramilitary dominance on the wings of the now-closed Maze Prison is thought to have been ruled out.

The report follows recent protests inside the jail and violent clashes between republican and loyalist inmates at the prison who want want to be housed in separate wings.

Five dissident republican prisoners are also taking part in a "dirty protest" in the jail.

According to a range of sources, the report which is now with Mr Murphy will conclude that current arrangements are not safe.