Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 January 2026
50. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the number of additional posts being allocated to mental health services under the HSE National Service Plan for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5030/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total allocation for mental health services in 2026 is nearly €1.6 billion, which is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. As I confirmed shortly after the announcement of Budget 2026, an additional 300 whole-time-equivalent staff have been allocated for mental health services in 2026.
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 2025, including that for Mental Health.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
