A report by the British government's chief inspector of prisons published today has found that the Maze prison in Co Antrim is not safe for prisoners or staff.
Although the report notes that the Maze is different from other jails and that it would be "foolish" to try to re-impose prison rules which have been abandoned there, it says control must be restored to the governor and staff.
Meanwhile the director general of the North's prison service, Mr Robin Halward, has said it could be possible to close the Maze by the year 2000 if the Belfast Agreement is fully implemented.
The inspection into the jail by Sir David Ramsbotham followed several security lapses, including the murder of Loyalist Volunteer Force leader Billy Wright, escape attempts by IRA inmates, and loyalist riots.
The report found prisoners were more in control of their wings than prison officers, and enjoyed a level of freedom and luxury unparalleled in high-security British jails. They regularly had sex during visits and were often drunk on returning from home leave.
Inmates routinely claimed compensation for damage to their property, which they were paid without investigation. Thirty LVF inmates had demanded, and been supplied with, designer sportswear costing the taxpayer £4,800.
Despite having more money spent on their meals than in British jails, inmates would make constant demands for extra food. On one occasion, within an hour of delivery of a meal, 90 "extras" had been ordered.
The one and only head count took place in the morning. But if a prisoner was sleeping, officers were not allowed to wake him to check whether he had been replaced by a dummy.
Sir David said: "The staff are the real victims, many of the normal prison rules being inoperable and prison service headquarters not being as understanding or supportive as one would wish."
He said it would be "foolish" to try to re-impose prison rules that have been taken out of use at the Maze, but said it was essential control was restored to the authorities, with the current self-regulation system formalised.
"Education and training programmes in preparation for release should be provided but, in return, sensible safety and control measures, such as efficient head-counts of prisoners and control of visitors, must be introduced."
Protocols should be drawn up between the governor and each of the paramilitary groups specifying their responsibilities and obligations. The "battle-weary and traumatised" prison staff should have better support and training.
The North's security minister, Mr Adam Ingram, said he hoped that as the peace process progressed, "there will be less and less need for institutions such as the Maze and it would be possible to provide an environment which is more suitable for both prison officers and the prisoners them selves."