Ms Niamh Randall:

First and foremost, it strikes me that the critical issue is to have some kind of reasonable diversion programmes. Prison should only ever be a last resort. We should be examining mechanisms for those who are convicted, in particular, of small or petty crimes such as theft and vagrancy. As Ms McSweeney stated, sometimes people see prison as being a time of respite because being homeless and living that life of rough sleeping or being trapped in emergency accommodation with an active drug and alcohol issue is really stressful. Given the strain and the pressure, sometimes people see prison as offering respite. Having some kind of reasonable diversion programmes in which people can engage would be the first port of call.

Second, it is about ensuring that there is reasonable planning. This means bringing in the agencies so that, if someone is committed to prison, there are opportunities to engage in treatment if treatment is what is required. Those referral programmes would be an option at the very start of the process because there should always be a plan in place for somebody's release.

It should always be the case that people are released into permanent housing with the support they need but also that they are given support while in the prison system to address the issues they are experiencing because often that is the reason they are there in the first place.

I mentioned at the outset that 49% of prisoners reoffend within a four-year period. How can we ensure that does not happen? It is about ensuring that we intervene correctly. We must support people through the prison experience and into the community setting to ensure the supports are in place. Some of my colleagues might want to comment more specifically on the service side.