Minister Butler announces €11 million mental health boost
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler unveiled a €11 million funding package enhancing early intervention and youth mental health services. The investment expands vital supports across six counties, promising greater access to counselling and community-based care throughout Ireland.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler TD has commemorated World Mental Health Day 2026 by announcing a substantial €11 million investment aimed at bolstering early intervention, youth mental health, and community support services nationwide. Central to this initiative is a €3.8 million allocation to establish four new Jigsaw centres in Dún Laoghaire and counties Kildare, Cavan, Monaghan, Sligo, and Leitrim. These centres will offer free mental health assistance to 12-25-year-olds experiencing mild to moderate difficulties, extending coverage from 75% to 90% nationally and reaching approximately 135,000 additional young people by next year.
Further funding of €2.8 million will enhance two key community counselling programmes: the Free Men's Counselling Programme and the Community Therapy Fund. This will increase their combined annual budget to €5.8 million, enabling nearly 60,000 additional free therapy sessions annually. Since its inception, the men's programme has supported over 8,200 men, many seeking help for the first time, with more than 24,000 sessions delivered. Additionally, over €3.5 million will strengthen Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), including dedicated pathways for ADHD and Mental Health Intellectual Disability services, focusing on children with complex needs and reducing waiting times.
Recognising the importance of recovery-focused supports, Minister Butler is investing €500,000 to expand Social Farming initiatives, which help young people in CAMHS and residents of mental health community homes build confidence and social connections through meaningful activities. A further €1 million will fund recruitment of 18 new staff, including peer support and recovery coordinators, to enhance Mental Health Engagement and Recovery services. This comprehensive package forms part of a record €1.657 billion mental health budget for 2027, marking a 7% increase from 2026 and a 60% rise since 2020. Those seeking support are encouraged to visit yourmentalhealth.ie for information on available services.
Further funding of €2.8 million will enhance two key community counselling programmes: the Free Men's Counselling Programme and the Community Therapy Fund. This will increase their combined annual budget to €5.8 million, enabling nearly 60,000 additional free therapy sessions annually. Since its inception, the men's programme has supported over 8,200 men, many seeking help for the first time, with more than 24,000 sessions delivered. Additionally, over €3.5 million will strengthen Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), including dedicated pathways for ADHD and Mental Health Intellectual Disability services, focusing on children with complex needs and reducing waiting times.
Recognising the importance of recovery-focused supports, Minister Butler is investing €500,000 to expand Social Farming initiatives, which help young people in CAMHS and residents of mental health community homes build confidence and social connections through meaningful activities. A further €1 million will fund recruitment of 18 new staff, including peer support and recovery coordinators, to enhance Mental Health Engagement and Recovery services. This comprehensive package forms part of a record €1.657 billion mental health budget for 2027, marking a 7% increase from 2026 and a 60% rise since 2020. Those seeking support are encouraged to visit yourmentalhealth.ie for information on available services.
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