Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
1216. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health to consider and respond to correspondence from a person (details supplied) regarding their experience attempting to access mental health care in recent months; and the actions that can be taken to ensure services are available to the individual at the earliest opportunity.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10440/26]
View answerExpanding access to, and improving the quality, of all mental health services is a key priority for me as Minister, the Government, and the HSE.
The total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is nearly €1.6 billion, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased up over 50% on 2020.
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.
However, I understand in relation to this issue it relates to a private hospital and would not therefore fall within the remit of my Department or the HSE. Accordingly, this issue should be pursued directly with the provider concerned or the Mental Health Commission, the regulator of all approved centres. It would also be open to the person to reach out to access local HSE community mental health services through their care provider (i.e. GP) if they have not already done so.
