Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
99. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health if the integrated healthcare areas currently lacking approved multidisciplinary posts for older adult mental health (psychiatry of later life) services will be prioritised for development posts; and when primary notification numbers and funding will be provided to achieve the staffing targets of the Model of Care for Specialist Mental Health Services for Older People. [17534/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnhancement of specialist mental health services including mental health services for older people is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government , and the HSE.
Mental health policy is guided by Sharing the Vision the national mental health policy , which promotes tailored, community-based services for older adults and better integration between primary care and specialist mental health teams. Over 30 Psychiatry Later Life Teams are currently in operation, and the Model of Care for Specialist Mental Health Services for Older People (2019) is being implemented, with five demonstration sites delivering liaison psychiatry services have established. Expansion of these services is ongoing, with additional teams planned based on identified needs and staffing gaps. Under Budget 2026, I have funded two additional teams for this Programme.
With reference to the specific information requested, as this relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
