Prison staff are carrying out training courses so they'll be able to offer smoking cessation counselling to prisoners who want to quit ahead of next March's smoking ban in the Isle of Man.

The decision to bring in the ban at the prison, and not seek legislative exemption, came after surveys of staff and prisoners.

Home Affairs Minister, Martyn Quayle, says the ban will require sensitive management and the needs of prisoners will be taken into account, which is why counselling and nicotine replacement therapy are being offered.

Mr Quayle understands the decision will probably remain contentious for some time (audio file attached):