Mental Health Charity Calls for Increased Funding in Budget 2026
Mental health charity Turn2Me calls for increased Budget 2026 funding as Ireland records one of lowest EU mental wellbeing scores.
Turn2Me, a mental health charity, is urging the government to boost investment in mental health services as Ireland records one of the lowest mental health scores in the EU, with over 40% of adults affected by mental health disorders.
The charity has highlighted the urgent need for increased resources in Budget 2026 to address long waiting lists and service gaps across the country. According to the 2024 Mental State of the World Report, Ireland ranks among the worst performing EU nations for mental wellbeing, whilst one in ten Irish adults have attempted suicide.
The financial burden of mental health difficulties remains substantial. The average additional annual cost of living with a mental health condition in Ireland now stands at €15,530.17, an inflation-adjusted figure from 2021 research.
Fiona O'Malley, CEO of Turn2Me, said:
"Mental health is every bit as important as physical health, yet Ireland continues to lag behind international standards in how we fund and prioritise it. In Budget 2026, we are calling on Government to allocate increased resources so that no one is left waiting weeks or months for support.
Minister Mary Butler has done wonderful work championing mental health services, but we would like to see increased investment in prevention, early intervention, and digital services. This will not only save lives but also reduce long-term pressures on the wider health system."
The charity has outlined five priority areas requiring immediate investment: expanding free and accessible services, developing digital mental health platforms, establishing early intervention programmes for young people, increasing workforce capacity, and launching public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma.
Ireland's accessibility crisis is particularly stark when compared to European neighbours. In 2023, 44% of Irish respondents reported difficulty accessing mental health supports, nearly double the EU average of 25%. For those in Cork and rural areas, digital services could prove transformative in bridging the geographical gap.
Turn2Me provides up to six free online counselling sessions, support groups, and a mood diary tool for adults across Ireland through their website.
O'Malley concluded:
"Mental health challenges have become more visible in recent years, but funding has not kept pace with demand. With the right funding in Budget 2026, we can ensure that services are there when people need them, that no one suffers in silence, and that mental health finally achieves parity with physical health."
