A Muslim chaplain searched by prison officers with dogs has been awarded £5,000 compensation.
Jamal Iweida took a race discrimination complaint against the Northern Ireland Prison Service after he was denied proper security clearance. Backed by the Equality Commission, Mr Iweida settled his case out of court.
He brought the action under Race Relations legislation following incidents at both Maghaberry Prison near Lisburn, Co Antrim and Hydebank Young Offenders Centre outside Belfast.
Although Mr Iweida should have received the same security clearance as other full-time chaplains, this was not arranged. Because of this, he was inappropriately required to submit to a search involving the use of a passive drugs dog.
After details were disclosed on the case, which was settled in February, jail chiefs expressed their regret.
A statement added: "The Prison Service has undertaken to liaise with the Equality Commission and to meet with the Belfast Islam Centre to discuss how we can ensure that our practices and procedures respond positively to cultural and religious differences.
"The Muslim chaplain does now have the same security clearance as other full-time chaplains."
PA