Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
883. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Health to outline her Department's approach to raising awareness of schizophrenia; the supports in place for those with schizophrenia; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45151/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department provides funding for the organisation Shine, who progress awareness raising and support initiatives for people with mental health difficulties, and who specialise in supporting people who experience psychosis and schizophrenia.
Originally incorporated as the Schizophrenia Association of Ireland, Shine was established in April 1979. Shine works to uphold the rights and address the needs of individuals affected by mental illness through the provision of high-quality services and the continuous improvement of their quality of life.
Shine delivers a variety of programmes and initiatives through its Shine’s Recovery Services focus on empowering people at different stages of their recovery journey by offering tailored supports, including information provision, one-to-one recovery key working, family support, peer support groups, and recovery education programmes.
More information on Shine’ services can be found on their website: www.shine.ie/get-support/support-for-individuals.
Shine also run the annual Green Ribbon Campaign, the national campaign to reduce stigma on mental health issues targeting all sectors of society. They also run other awareness raising initiatives and campaigns, including the Psychosis Surbey in partnership with the HSE’s National Clinical Programme on Early Intervention in Psychosis. The latest survey highlighted the challenges people face, and unfortunately the persistence of stigma around psychosis. The findings can be viewed here: www.shine.ie/news/eip-survey-report-2024-press-release-07-05-2025.
The HSE have further information about living with schizophrenia and sources of support on their website: www2.hse.ie/conditions/schizophrenia/living-with/.
I have expanded services for those with psychosis, in particular our specialist services. Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) is an evidenced-based approach that can transform the experience and outcomes of young people facing psychosis. The EIP Programme is funded with over €5 million total funding on an annual recurring basis. As a result, 5 adult multi-disciplinary teams are now operational, with an additional EIP CAMHS team in place. Four additional EIP teams are in the process of recruitment and development based on funding secured in recent 2025 and 2026 budgets.
