Over 2,200 prisoners were referred to mental health services in 2022 while the waiting lists sees some waiting over two years for treatment.
The worrying figures were released to Sinn Fein TD Mark Ward who is now calling on the Government to provide more resources and funding to the Irish Prison Service Psychology Service. He's also calling for similar support to be granted to the wider community in Ireland.
He says that the delay in getting vital supports is leading to higher chances of prisoners re-offending upon their release. Mental health issues that are being treated include PTSD, addiction and substance use, mood and anxiety disorders and impulse disorders.
