Mental Health Services—Budget Boost, But CAMHS Still Under Pressure

Budget 2025 allocates nearly €1.5 billion to mental health, including €2.9 million for CAMHS. Yet service gaps, long waiting lists, and staffing shortages continue to affect vulnerable children and families.

Minister Mary Butler announced a record €143.5 million increase in mental health funding for 2025, bringing the total D to nearly €1.5 billion E. The investment includes €2.9 million for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), aimed at expanding emergency liaison teams, CAMHS Hubs, and Single Point of Access systems F.

Despite this, CAMHS remains under strain. Long waiting lists, especially for children waiting over 12 months, persist. Advocacy groups warn that funding still represents only 5.8% of the total health budget—far below the 10% target set by Sl Eáintecare.

The Youth Mental Health Action Plan promises better integration with primary care and disability services, but implementation is slow. Meanwhile, new funding for suicide prevention, bereavement support, and Traveller mental health services is a welcome step D toward equity E.

Mental health professionals—your expertise is needed now more than ever. Register with Hutano to support CAMHS and community mental health across Ireland.

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