Written Answers Nos. 336-353
336. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown of the 2026 mental health budget by current spending; the capital/expenditure for infrastructure, new buildings, refurbishments, equipment; programme-level funding (e.g. CAMHS, crisis services, community supports, suicide prevention; regional health area allocations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56227/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra338. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the amount of new additional funding (above the 2025 base) which was allocated to mental health in budget 2026; and the amount which is existing services, by service category; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56229/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 336 and 338 together.
The total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
337. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown of the ELS allocation by demographics, carryover, public sector pay. [56228/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraA breakdown of the total ELS allocation for Vote 38 for 2026 analysed by carryover costs from 2025, public sector pay agreements and demographic/price increases is attached.
|
PQ 56228 |
|
|
To ask the Minister for Health to provide a breakdown of the ELS allocation by demographics, carryover, public sector pay. |
€m |
|
Total increase in health vote in budget 2026 |
1,500.0 |
|
Public Sector pay increases for 2026 |
295.6 |
|
Carryforward pay costs into 2026 |
298.0 |
|
Carryforward non pay costs into 2026 |
104.4 |
|
Demographics & price (includes €149m in payroll for new employees) |
802.0 |
339. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current amount of unspent or uncommitted capital funding earmarked for mental health infrastructure (from current and previous years); and the projects that these funds are intended for. [56230/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
340. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent staff to be recruited or funded under the 2026 mental health budget, disaggregated by role (psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, OTs, etc.). [56231/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
341. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the new services or expansions (e.g. crisis teams, early intervention, mother & baby units) funded in Budget 2026; and the level of funding being committed to each. [56232/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
342. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the portion of Budget 2026 mental health funding which is ringfenced or designated for underserved or priority groups (e.g. children & adolescents (CAMHS), minority communities, rural areas, those with dual diagnosis, homeless, travellers). [56233/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
343. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the amount of the 2026 mental health budget allocated to digital mental health services, remote therapy, tele-mental health, apps or other innovations; and the expected cost per user / session for those services. [56234/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
344. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of fully addressing current unmet mental health demand (waiting lists, service gaps); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56235/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
345. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the way in which the 2026 mental health allocations align with Sláintecare’s objective of having mental health represent 10% of the health budget by 2030; and the projected path to reach that benchmark under current plans. [56236/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
346. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to provide a full breakdown of the funding allocation for CAMHS and for eating disorder services under Budget 2026, distinguishing between current and capital spending. [56238/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
347. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the amount of the Budget 2026 mental health allocation that represents new additional funding for CAMHS and eating disorder services, as opposed to carryover or maintenance of ELS. [56239/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
348. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the targets that have been set for waiting list reductions in CAMHS and eating disorder services in 2026; and the portion of the new funding that is ringfenced for waiting list initiatives or service expansion. [56240/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
349. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to list all capital projects related to CAMHS and eating disorder services due for completion, commencement or design in 2026, including any new units, refurbishments or community-based hubs. [56241/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
350. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health to outline the regional breakdown of CAMHS and eating disorder funding for 2026 by RHA; and whether funding is being targeted toward regions with the highest waiting times or lowest staff-to-patient ratios. [56242/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
351. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the provisions that have been made in Budget 2026 to support transition pathways for young people moving from CAMHS to adult mental health services; and whether any specific funding has been allocated for transitional support or continuity of care. [56243/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
352. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if any of the Budget 2026 funding for mental health is being allocated to early intervention or community-based supports for eating disorders, including school and youth outreach programmes. [56244/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is almost €1.6bn, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. An additional 300 WTE staff will be allocated to mental health services in 2026, representing 9% of the total growth in health service staffing next year.
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 HSE Capital Plan 2026, including that for Mental Health.
353. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that is allocated in 2026 to the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders; and whether this includes new service development sites or expansion of existing teams. [56245/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with 14 of the 16 teams envisaged by the Model of Care now funded. The HSE currently spends over €9 million on eating disorders services annually. As a result, access to eating disorder services is increasing, with 25% more assessments conducted in 2024 compared to 2023 (562 vs 449).
Approximately 100 dedicated eating disorder clinicians from the National Clinical Programme are now working on the teams across the country, treating people with eating disorders every day. Enhancement for specialist mental health services including eating disorders is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
Under funding secured for Budget 2025, there will be two new eating disorder teams operational by the end of this year. These comprise of an adult team in the Midlands, and a CAMHS team in the Mid-West.
I secured funding in Budget 2026 for two additional eating disorders teams, to ensure that more people experiencing an eating disorder will have access to the specialist care they need.
As occurs each year following the Budget, discussions will now take place with the HSE on details relating to specific service initiatives including the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders in the context of preparing the HSE Service Plan 2025, including that for Mental Health.
