Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
1047. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of psychiatric liaison teams operating in emergency departments nationwide; the hospitals where no such team is in place; and the plan to ensure every major emergency department has dedicated mental-health liaison staffing. [72178/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI launched the national Model of Care for Consultation Liaison Psychiatry in May 2025, which is a comprehensive framework to guide the development of Liaison Psychiatry services in our hospitals. Liaison psychiatry, also known as consultation liaison psychiatry, provides specialist mental health input in emergency departments and general hospital wards. Liaison Psychiatry plays a critical role in supporting people who present with both physical and mental health needs, particularly people who may present with eating disorders, self-harm and suicidal ideation.
To complement the launch of this new psychiatric Model of Care, in Budget 2026 I have also funded the development of new specialist mental health nursing teams to staff the emergency departments of Model 4 hospitals out of hours and at weekends. These teams will support people who present in a mental health crisis, and integrate with other mental health professionals providing care including working with the new liaison consultant psychiatrists.
With reference to the information requested as this is an operational issue, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
