The report – authored by Dr Christina Power, senior clinical psychologist at the Probation Service – was published this morning and makes a series of recommendations, including the development of a mental health strategy and new multi-disciplinary partnerships.

Around two in five probationers have mental health problems, chief among them anxiety disorders and mood disorders, the report states. Some probationers with “serious mental health problems” are not accessing any services for assessment or intervention.

It suggests there may be a “strong case for specialist mental health probation officers” to deal with those in the supervision of the Probation Service who are not otherwise engaging with mental health services.

The report also warns that some offenders who receive psychiatric and psychological support in prison have had “difficulty accessing and sustaining an equivalent level of care” following their release from custody.

Publishing the report, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: “We all recognise how vital research into mental health issues is, and this is especially so for the vulnerable people who are under the supervision of the Probation Services.

“The publication of this report marks an important step in informing and developing best practice for working with people with mental health problems and delivering integrated interventions with mainstream health services in the community.

“My Justice Plan 2021 commits to the establishment of a new cross-Departmental Task Force on Mental Health. This new taskforce will consider how best to provide for the mental health and addiction challenges of those imprisoned, and their primary care support on release.”

Mark Wilson, director of the Probation Service, added: “The Probation Service has supported clients with mental health problems for many years. While we knew it was an important area for the focus of our work, we did not have research to detail the frequency or severity of the problem.

“Dr Power’s report now provides that evidence and will inform how we can improve outcomes, both through the work of Probation staff, our funded community projects and through collaborative work with our colleagues in the health services.”