Minister Butler secures €10m for mental health services
Minister Mary Butler has announced a significant €10 million annual investment to enhance specialist and forensic mental health care across Ireland. This funding will expand clinical teams and support the development of Ireland’s forensic mental health facilities, particularly in Portrane, Co Dublin.
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Gov.ie / MerrionStreet
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⏱️ 2 min read
Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, has unveiled a substantial funding package as part of Budget 2027 aimed at bolstering specialist and forensic mental health services throughout Ireland. This allocation includes over €10 million in recurring annual funding dedicated to advancing National Clinical Programmes and expanding community-based specialist mental health support nationwide.
The investment will facilitate the establishment of three new specialist clinical teams focusing on eating disorders, dual diagnosis, and early intervention in psychosis. It also aims to enhance services facing growing demand, such as Adult ADHD and Perinatal Mental Health. Minister Butler emphasised that all new funding and recruitment for mental health will remain ringfenced to ensure resources are used exclusively for their intended purpose.
Additionally, Budget 2027 supports the ongoing development of the National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS) campus in Portrane, Co Dublin. This includes funding to open eight additional beds within the Intensive Care Rehabilitation Unit (ICRU), completing the first of two 15-bed wards in the purpose-built 30-bed facility. The ICRU will provide specialist rehabilitation for patients with complex needs, enhancing Ireland’s forensic mental health capacity. The overall mental health budget has risen to €1.657 billion, marking a 7% increase and a more than 60% rise since 2020, underscoring the Government’s commitment to delivering timely, evidence-based mental health care closer to home.
The investment will facilitate the establishment of three new specialist clinical teams focusing on eating disorders, dual diagnosis, and early intervention in psychosis. It also aims to enhance services facing growing demand, such as Adult ADHD and Perinatal Mental Health. Minister Butler emphasised that all new funding and recruitment for mental health will remain ringfenced to ensure resources are used exclusively for their intended purpose.
Additionally, Budget 2027 supports the ongoing development of the National Forensic Mental Health Service (NFMHS) campus in Portrane, Co Dublin. This includes funding to open eight additional beds within the Intensive Care Rehabilitation Unit (ICRU), completing the first of two 15-bed wards in the purpose-built 30-bed facility. The ICRU will provide specialist rehabilitation for patients with complex needs, enhancing Ireland’s forensic mental health capacity. The overall mental health budget has risen to €1.657 billion, marking a 7% increase and a more than 60% rise since 2020, underscoring the Government’s commitment to delivering timely, evidence-based mental health care closer to home.
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