Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
1203. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if she is aware that almost one fifth of medical cardholders on the public counselling waiting list waited six months or more in 2024; the measures being taken to reduce these waiting times for older people specifically; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37622/26]
View answerAs part of HSE Mental Health Services, the National Counselling Service provides free counselling therapy to adults who experienced childhood abuse or neglect, or are former residents of a mother and baby home. They also provide counselling to those with medical cards, through the Counselling in Primary Care service (CiPC). Outside of this, the HSE also funds many community partners to provide counselling and related services on its behalf.
As Minister I announced €2 million in funding in 2025 to provide access to a suite of new talk therapies and counselling supports specifically tailored for men. Access to the services began from September 2025.
This initiative is embedded within Ireland’s approach to mental health policy implementation. Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, and Connecting for Life, Ireland’s national strategy for suicide prevention, clearly state that talk therapies should be considered a first-line treatment option for most people who experience mental health difficulties.
The funding is targeted at assisting with stigma reduction and to actively encourage men who otherwise would not usually otherwise avail of counselling to seek help with their mental health, to assist men in accessing mental health services, and to provide much-needed support for men experiencing a mental health crisis.
Uptake data from the HSE from the period October 2025 to March 2026 indicate that 2,766 men were referred for counselling with the HSE CIPC service, the majority through their GP. 1,435 new counselling places were made available to men at this time.
This is an area I have prioritised in recent Budgets, including €1m in Budget 2026 for a new talking therapies fund for providing Community Therapy Services.
Outside of mental health services, HSE Primary Care services also provide key mental health supports, including psychology services.
As you have raised operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to you as soon as possible.
