Dublin, 8 October 2025 – The Government has unveiled a record €27.4 billion health budget for 2026, marking a 6.2% increase (€1.5bn) on the previous year. Ministers say the investment will drive faster, fairer access to healthcare while embedding long-term reforms in the Irish health service.
The funding was announced today by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, alongside Ministers Mary Butler (Mental Health), Kieran O’Donnell (Older People), and Jennifer Murnane O’Connor (Public Health).
Described as a “sea change” in how health spending is delivered, Budget 2026 will adopt a performance-led model across six regional health areas. Strategic deployment of resources, including 3,300 additional whole-time equivalent (WTE) staff, aims to address regional disparities, boost access, and increase service efficiency.
“We cannot continue to spend more without spending smarter,” said Minister Carroll MacNeill. “This budget supports a health service that is faster, smarter, and economically sustainable.”
Key Focus Areas
1. Access and Equity
The plan promises shorter waiting times, seven-day service delivery, expanded GP out-of-hours services, and a €217 million boost for primary care medicines, including €30 million for new treatments.
2. Mental Health
An additional 300 staff will bolster mental health services, with one-third dedicated to crisis care. Initiatives include out-of-hours mental health teams in emergency departments, child and adolescent crisis pathways, and three new Crisis Resolution Teams with community-based “crisis cafés”.
21 new CAMHS inpatient beds and 10 intensive rehabilitation beds will also come online.
3. Older Persons
A €215 million increase will support home care, nursing homes, and dementia services. Highlights include:
- 1.7 million additional home support hours
- 500 extra Fair Deal places
- €2 million uplift for Meals on Wheels
- Expanded dementia care and diagnostics
22% of all new home support hours will be ringfenced for people with dementia.
4. Public and Preventative Health
An additional €11 million will go towards drug and inclusion health services. Funding also supports campaigns on vaping, breastfeeding, and sexual health, with €200,000 specifically aimed at tackling youth vaping.
Public health strategies will focus on obesity, chronic illness, and health equity for vulnerable groups, including expanded Traveller child health supports and rural drug treatment access.
Reform and Innovation
The budget prioritises expanding virtual health services, extending operating theatre hours, and strengthening diagnostics. A strong push for digital innovation and AI integration underpins the commitment to efficiency and modernisation.
“Patients must feel the difference,” Carroll MacNeill emphasised. “This is about ensuring timely consultations, rapid diagnostic access, and care closer to home.”
A Step Towards Sláintecare
The 2026 budget aligns with the Government’s Sláintecare vision, aiming to build a unified, community-first, and patient-centred system that adapts to local needs and demographic shifts.
“We must measure success not just by outcomes, but by the experience of every person who walks through our health service doors,” said the Minister.
