Dublin, 8 October 2025 — Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler TD has unveiled a landmark investment in mental health services under Budget 2026, with a record allocation of €1.6 billion and the recruitment of an unprecedented 300 additional staff. The package places a strong emphasis on crisis supports and suicide prevention, with over €15 million earmarked for targeted measures.
Expanding Crisis Supports
The Health Service Executive (HSE) will establish specialist nursing teams in all Model 4 hospital emergency departments, operating out-of-hours to support people in acute distress. In parallel, three new Crisis Resolution Services and associated “Solace” crisis cafés will open in Donegal, Kerry, and the Midlands, offering alternatives to emergency departments.
A further 12 Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurses (SCAN) will be deployed to work with GPs in community settings, while 19 new CAMHS doctors and five adult liaison psychiatrists will strengthen crisis response pathways for children, young people, and adults.
Suicide Prevention Strategy
Budget 2026 also provides:
- €1 million to implement Ireland’s new suicide reduction strategy, shaped by input from nearly 2,000 people during public consultation.
- €415,000 for Traveller-specific suicide prevention initiatives co-designed with the community.
- €1.7 million in additional funding for voluntary organisations, including Pieta, to expand frontline suicide prevention services.
Building Capacity
The budget will deliver 21 new acute CAMHS inpatient beds, including 10 at the National Children’s Hospital and 11 at Linn Dara, alongside 10 new Intensive Care Rehabilitation Unit beds at the National Forensic Mental Health Service in Portrane.
Minister’s Statement
Minister Butler said the measures represent a fundamental shift in how Ireland responds to mental health crises:
“By placing specialist nursing teams in emergency departments and expanding community alternatives such as crisis resolution teams and cafés, we are changing how we respond to people in distress. This investment will provide safer, more compassionate pathways for those in need.”
Long-Term Growth
Mental health funding has now risen by more than 50% since 2020, marking the sixth consecutive year of increases. The 2026 budget also supports early intervention, youth mental health services, digital access, and national clinical programmes in areas such as dual diagnosis, eating disorders, and perinatal mental health.
The government aims to have the legislation enacted and new services operational by the end of 2026, reinforcing Ireland’s commitment to building a modern, accessible, and resilient mental health system.
Sources: Department of Health; HSE; Mental Health Commission.
