Press Release: Friday 26 June 2026
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler welcomes the Mental Health Commission’s Annual Report for 2025
Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler T.D. welcomes the publication of the Mental Health Commission’s Annual Report for 2025.
This report of the Mental Health Commission and the Inspector of Mental Health Services provides an important independent insight into how mental health services are performing and where improvements can be made.
Minister Butler said:
“Since 2020, mental health services have demonstrated significant and sustained improvement, with a 91% reduction in overcapacity, a 50% reduction in the use of physical restraint, and a substantial fall in regulatory conditions applied to approved centres.”
“Compliance has strengthened steadily over time, reflecting a system that is becoming safer, more rights-based, and more person-centred. There are areas for further improvement however, and I want to see increased compliance with individual care planning in our approved centres, as well as greater access to therapies.”
“We are also embarking on a new programme to transform the physical premises of our mental health services in each of the six new health regions. Under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2026-2030 we now have an unprecedented allocation of €470 million to invest in new acute mental health units and community facilities, as well as adult eating disorder beds and new perinatal units for mothers and babies.”
Remarking on the positive developments highlighted in the report, the Minister said:
“The Mental Health Commission has expanded its role in driving quality improvement, developing new guidance and advancing standards that will further enhance care into the future. Together, these developments demonstrate a system that is evolving, learning and delivering better, safer and more rights-focused care for people accessing mental health services.”
“I would like to acknowledge the work of the Mental Health Commission, the HSE and the sector more broadly in striving to improve the quality and safety of mental health centres.”
Speaking about the expanded role of the Mental Health Commission in the new Mental Health Act 2026, Minister Butler said:
“I met with the Mental Health Commission on the 11 June 2026 to prepare for the full enactment of the Mental Health Act 2026 which was signed by the President last month.”
“The new Act expands the role of the Commission further to include the regulation of all community-based services including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), as well as community residences for people with enduring mental health conditions.”
“I believe this new once-in-a-generation piece of legislation will result in further transformation and improvement in mental healthcare in Ireland, and I look forward to working closely with the Commission and the HSE to enact each element of the Act as soon as possible.”
Key findings from the Annual Report for 2025:
- Continued improvements in compliance levels across many approved centres, with a number achieving very high or full compliance during inspections.
- Ongoing focus on reducing restrictive practices, supported by the adoption of human rights-based approaches across services.
- Evidence of strong governance arrangements and increased emphasis on individualised care planning.
- Sustained low levels of child admissions to adult centres, reflecting progress in the development of age-appropriate services.
- Further progress in preparations for the expansion of the Mental Health Commission’s regulatory remit under the Mental Health Act.
Minister Butler and the Department of Health will continue to work closely with both the Commission and the HSE to improve mental health services. The Minister looks forward to continuing the strong working relationship with the Mental Health Commission.