The Stormont justice minister and the head of the Northern Ireland Prison Service have vowed to bring about thorough reform of jails following another accidental release of a prisoner.
The incident is the fourth in nine months.
David Ford, who assumed responsibility for justice following devolution last year, and Colin McConnell, the prison service's director general, said sweeping reforms would be introduced alongside cost-cutting measures including the loss of jobs.
The call for reform followed the accidental release from Maghaberry jail of George Damian MacFerran (47) who was serving a sentence for assault and possession of an offensive weapon.
He was freed from the prison in Co Antrim last week despite having six weeks left to serve. He was re-arrested and returned to jail on Monday.
Mr Ford said a wide range of reforms were urgently needed to ensure a "fit-for-purpose" prison service.
Referring to an ongoing review of prisoner services, due to be completed in the autumn, Mr Ford said: "That has made it clear that we are not talking about modest incremental change, there has to be a root and branch reform of the Prison Service."
He said by the end of 2015, the Northern Ireland Prison Service will have fewer officers, a more flexible workforce and be more cost effective. “Most importantly, it will do what we need it to do and focus on reducing the risk of offenders committing further crimes after they are released.” he said.
Colin McConnell said keeping things as they are was not an option for his organisation.
"This is a pivotal time in the history of the Northern Ireland Prison Service," he told UTV. "Failure to deliver the necessary change will consign the service to a future of failure, destined to repeat the mistakes of the past."