AQW 46688/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 20/05/2026
Answered On Date: 28/05/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice to detail (i) any measures that are in place to ensure the safe management of prisoners with complex mental health needs; and (ii) whether any additional measures are under consideration, in light of increasing prison population pressures.

Answer:

(i)The responsibility for the provision of health services to people in prison in Northern Ireland transferred to the Department of Health in April 2008. The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust (the Trust) is commissioned to provide primary, mental health and addictions services to people in prison custody in Northern Ireland.

Many people come into prison with unmet or undiagnosed health and mental health needs, and for some their needs are complex. The Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) works collaboratively with the Trust to manage and provide support for people with additional and complex needs across all three prison sites. Management of those with complex mental health needs is based upon the specific needs of the individual and is informed through multi-disciplinary caseloads and serious case reviews where required. Support for those with additional needs, including mental health issues, is provided through activities and access to therapeutic spaces.

(ii)The Northern Ireland Prison Service continues to work with the Trust and voluntary and community sector organisations to provide prisoners with access to the appropriate support for them. Capacity within the Healthcare in Prison Team is a matter for the Department of Health.