Budget 2026

Tuesday, 21 October 2025

Questions (801)

Charles Ward

Question:

801. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Health if funding has been allocated in Budget 2026 or through the HSE Capital Plan for the Radharc na Sléibhte supervised residential unit (SRU) in Carndonagh, County Donegal; the status of the capital funding application previously referenced by the HSE to transition the facility into a recovery-focused crisis and step-down unit; if any portion of the €15 million national allocation for crisis supports and suicide prevention, or the 300 additional whole-time equivalent mental health posts announced under Budget 2026, will be assigned to Donegal or the Inishowen area; the plans to retain or enhance the existing SRU service model in Carndonagh to ensure continuity of care for local residents, given the essential mental health role this facility provides in a rural region with limited service access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56840/25]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The total current allocation for mental health services in 2026 is over €1.5 billion, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. This increase in funding for mental health services represents a significant investment which will enable continued policy implementation and service improvement in line with our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, and our national suicide and self-harm reduction strategy Connecting for Life, across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, through to specialist mental health services. This year’s budget provided the opportunity to focus on investing in crisis support and suicide prevention; youth mental health and CAMHS, and expanding the National Clinical Programmes.

As occurs each year following the Budget, discussions will now take place with the HSE on details relating to specific service initiatives in the context of preparing the HSE Service Plan 2026 and the HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.