Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
1163. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to outline the progress on the commitment to fund mental health supports across all Integrated Care Programme for Older People teams, as per the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34822/26]
View answerExpanding the reach of mental health supports across Integrated Care Programme for Older People teams is a priority for me as Minister and for Government.
Mental health policy is guided by Sharing the Vision the national mental health policy , which promotes tailored, community-based services for older adults and better integration between primary care and specialist mental health teams. Over 30 Psychiatry Later Life Teams are currently in operation in the community, and the Model of Care for Specialist Mental Health Services for Older People (2019) is being implemented, with five demonstration sites delivering liaison psychiatry services have established. Expansion of these services is ongoing, with additional teams planned based on identified needs and staffing gaps. Under Budget 2026, I have funded two additional teams for this Programme.
With reference to the specific information requested, as this relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
