Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2026
891. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of individuals who have accessed free or publicly funded counselling services in each of the past five years; and the associated waiting times. [45198/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Counselling Service provides free counselling therapy to adults who experienced childhood abuse or neglect, are former residents of a mother and baby home. They also provide counselling to those with medical cards, through the Counselling in Primary Care service (CiPC).
As Minister I announced €2 million in funding in 2025 to provide access to a suite of new talk therapies and counselling supports specifically tailored for men. Access to the services began from September 2025.
This initiative is embedded within Ireland’s approach to mental health policy implementation. Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, and Connecting for Life, Ireland’s national strategy for suicide prevention, clearly state that talk therapies should be considered a first-line treatment option for most people who experience mental health difficulties.
The funding is targeted at assisting with stigma reduction and to actively encourage men who otherwise would not usually avail of counselling to seek help with their mental health, to assist men in accessing mental health services, and to provide much-needed support for men experiencing a mental health crisis.
In the most recent Budget, I allocated further additional funding of €1m to establish a new talking therapies fund for the provision of community therapy services.
As your PQ relates to an operational issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
