Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
784. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if she can give an update on establishment of the adult ADHD team for the Integrated Health Areas of DNC and DNCW which is due to be in place by Q3 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68594/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe development of Specialist Mental Health Services, including for adults with ADHD, has been a priority since my appointment as Minister for Mental Health in 2020. As Minister, I'm proud to have launched the Model of Care for ADHD in Adults and to have resourced the establishment of the teams envisioned by the Model of Care.
The National Clinical Programme for ADHD in Adults is being implemented on a phased basis. Since the introduction of a Model of Care for the programme in 2021, over €5 million has been made available for funding ADHD posts from Programme for Government funding. This has enabled the establishment of 8 fully operational ADHD teams with 3 community-based teams currently in development.
Funding was secured under Budget 2025 for the remaining ADHD teams which will complete the specified total number of teams specified for the Model of Care.
The HSE have stated that nationwide demand for Adult ADHD services has been significantly higher than originally projected. The HSE is progressing service development on a phased basis, supported by approved funding and workforce availability.
In parallel, the National Clinical Programme for ADHD in Adults has developed a draft amended Model of Care, incorporating a stepped-care approach, informed by engagement with service users, families, clinicians and ADHD Ireland. This revised Model of Care is currently being trialled in a number of ADHD teams and will guide the next phase of service development nationally.
The HSE remains committed to developing ADHD services for adults nationally and progressing full implementation of the Model of Care to improve access to assessment and treatment across all regions.
Operational ADHD Teams:
• Sligo/Leitrim/Donegal
• South Dublin/Wicklow
• Limerick/Clare/North Tipperary
• Cork
• Kerry/West Cork
• South-West Dublin
• Midlands/Kildare/West Wicklow
• Cavan/Monaghan/Louth/Meath
Community based teams in recruitment:
• Waterford/Wexford/Kilkenny/Carlow/South Tipperary
• North Dublin and County
• Galway/Roscommon/Mayo.
As your question relates to specific recruitment matters, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
