Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
416. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht the reason a national loneliness strategy was not considered in Budget 2026; if he is aware that rural isolation is a public health issue; the current allocations for the provision of mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56128/25]
View answerLoneliness and rural isolation are significant challenges, particularly for individuals living in remote and disadvantaged communities and those living alone. These issues have clear implications for physical and mental health outcomes.
Addressing the issues of rural isolation and loneliness requires a range of responses across a number of Government Departments and agencies. This includes developing rural transport links, tackling social exclusion and addressing disadvantage. My Department has a number of schemes that help to address rural isolation and loneliness, often focussing on the value of communities and social inclusion within our communities. We are also engaging with other Departments on the issue of rural isolation as we develop the next iteration of the Our Rural Future Policy.
The schemes within my Department helping to address these issues include;
• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP);
• Support for Men's and Women's Sheds;
• Local Enhancement Programme which provides small grants to local community groups;
• Community Centres Investment Fund;
• CLÁR Programme, which specifically targets rural areas experiencing depopulation and disadvantage, and;
• The Senior Alerts Scheme, which provides grants for personal emergency alarms for older people, and which is supporting thousands of older people around the country to live in their own homes and communities with confidence.
Other supports such as those for Tidy Towns groups, Agricultural Shows, Public Libraries all help to reduce social isolation and loneliness by providing outlets for people to engage with their communities.
Through these and other measures, and working with the community and voluntary sector, we aim to foster greater community engagement and improve access to services.
While a dedicated National Loneliness Strategy was not specifically included for funding as an outcome of Budget 2026, the Government remains committed to addressing the root causes of loneliness through a range of cross-departmental initiatives, including those mentioned above.
In relation to the current allocations for the provision of mental health services, I would note that primary responsibility lies with the Department of Health and the HSE. My Department works closely with colleagues across Government to ensure that rural and Gaeltacht communities are not left behind in the provision of services. I would also note that the Government has allocated €1.3 billion for mental health services in 2026, with specific emphasis on community-based care, early intervention, and outreach in rural areas.
