Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 July 2026
182. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken by her Department and the HSE to reduce waiting times for community mental health services, including counselling services, particularly for young people and persons presenting with moderate mental health difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52292/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key priority for myself as Minister is to improve access to mental health services. This includes counselling supports and talk therapies.
The 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. Recent HSE data indicates that since the service launched there has been over 2,000 referrals to this counselling service for men.
In the most recent Budget, I also allocated funding for a new €1m talking therapies fund for providing Community Therapy Services. I am currently finalising the plan for the fund, some of which will be targeted at supporting young people to access counselling.
Outside of mental health services, HSE Primary Care services also provide key mental health supports for young people, including psychology services.
In relation to your PQ, as it raises operational issues it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
