To ask the Minister of Justice to detail (i) any engagement that takes place between her Department and the Department of Health, to ensure individuals leaving custody can access timely mental health and addiction services; and (ii) whether any gaps in provision have been identified.

Officials from my Department engage with those in the Department of Health through membership of a number of groups at which discussions on mental health and addiction services are undertaken – these include the All Departments Officials Group, the Forensic Managed Care Network and the Substance Use Strategy Programme Board.

Specifically in relation to transitions from custody, a Task and Finish Group comprising representatives from the key justice and health organisations was set up in response to recommendation 16 of the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority report on the provision of services to vulnerable people detained in NI Prisons. A report detailing action required in order to improve outcomes for those leaving custody in terms of accessing health services was submitted to the Department of Health’s Strategic Planning and Performance Group for consideration, given its role in commissioning health services. Regrettably, due to prioritisation and funding issues within the Department of Health, action to progress the report has not been undertaken.

In the absence of progression by the Department of Health, and in order to meet a need identified in relation to short-sentenced prisoners, my Department undertook to fund a pilot programme through Extern. The Prisoner Support Project (PSP) pilot was established to support short-term prisoners to resettle safely in the community following release and to reduce the risk of immediate return to custody. Delivery begins within HMP Maghaberry through participation in the ‘Let’s Talk Programme’, where Extern staff operate “inside the gate” to identify risks and support resettlement planning pre-release. This is complemented by structure post-release support, with individuals receiving ongoing assistance, which includes supporting service users with engagement into specialist services for addiction and mental health, in order to manage and improve these identified areas of need.