Ms Michelle Martyn:

I wish to highlight the importance of post-release planning before the person comes out. It was reported to us that the Prison Service releases people on a Friday evening but the community-based organisations are not aware that the individuals are released at this stage. Therefore, post-release planning is critical, particularly in cases of addiction because the time following release from prison is the time when somebody is most likely to overdose. As Deputy O'Brien said, housing and accommodation are also important.