Press Release: Friday 20 February 2026
Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler launches the National Digital Mental Health Strategy
Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD has today launched the Sharing the Vision Digital Mental Health Strategy 2026-2030 at the third annual Digital Mental Health Conference in partnership with University of Limerick. The publication, which is aligned with the Digital for Care 2030 Framework, is the first standalone strategy focused solely on digital mental health, and marks a significant milestone in the modernsation of mental health supports and services across the country.
The Strategy builds on nearly a decade of the Health Service Executive’s (HSE’s) work in digital mental health and addresses commitments under Sharing the Vision to enhance digital mental health supports. The Strategy is rooted in the Department of Health’s Digital for Care Framework 2030, and reflects commitments for a modern health service as set out in Sláintecare.
Launching the Strategy, Minister Butler said:
“This Strategy sets out a clear vision: to harness and scale the use of digital technologies to provide safe, effective and accessible mental health information, tools and services. It represents a significant step forward in how we deliver mental health services in Ireland. By embracing digital innovation, we can expand accessibility and increase reach so that more people can access the supports they need. This is about building a more connected, responsive and inclusive mental health service.”
The National Digital Mental Health Strategy was developed to align with the Digital for Care Strategy framework, which sets out a roadmap to digitally transform health services in Ireland and improve access for patients.
Speaking at the event, Minister Butler emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Strategy through continued investment in digital tools and mental health supports. As part of Budget 2026, Minister Butler secured funding of €1 million implement the Strategy. This will bring investment in digital services such as online cognitive-behavioural therapy and text-based supports to over €7 million.