Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 October 2025
181. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be made available in budget 2026 to address critical staffing shortages and infrastructure gaps in CAMHS for young persons with moderate to severe mental health needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52230/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, the Department is engaging in dialogue with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE in relation to the 2026 Estimates. Until these discussions are concluded it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this matter. However, I am committed to ensuring the continued enhancement of mental health services through the allocation of additional funding for mental health in 2026.
The Government’s clear commitment to enhancing mental health services, is shown by significant mental health funding increases in recent years. I would note for the Deputy that 2025 saw a record budget for mental health of €1.458 billion, comprising €16 million for new developments.
Budget 2025, which is the largest mental health budget in the history of the state, is supporting the continued implementation of new developments under our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, including out of hours supports, CAMHS services, crisis resolution team, the national clinical programmes, and specialist mental health services for older people.
Importantly, as budgets increase, we need to ensure that we have plans and strategies in place so that those resources are used effectively and efficiently to the benefit of people using our mental health services. All aspects of mental health services are being improved and developed, through Sharing the Vision in the short to longer term. Sharing the Vision aims to enhance the provision of mental health services and supports across a broad continuum, from mental health promotion, prevention, and early intervention to acute and specialist mental health service delivery, during the period 2020-2030.
