3153. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health the number of the 300 mental health posts funded in budget 2026 that have been filled; the number remaining vacant; and the grade and HSE Health Region breakdown. [55016/26]

The Government’s clear commitment to enhancing mental health services is shown by significant mental health funding increases in recent years. Budget 2026 saw a record allocation for mental health services of almost €1.6bn, up over 50% since I assumed the role of Minister for Mental Health in 2020.

The additional funding for current expenditure in Budget 2026 for the Health Vote is over €1.5 billion, bringing the total current allocation to €25.8 billion. This includes funding to maintain existing levels of service and for new service developments, including funding for the recruitment of 300 additional whole time equivalent staff within Mental Health in 2026.

This is the sixth year in a row in which the mental health budget has been increased. This increase in funding for mental health services represents a significant investment which will enable continued policy implementation and service improvement in line with our national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, and our national suicide and self-harm reduction strategy Connecting for Life, across a broad continuum from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention, through to specialist mental health services.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible with the detailed information sought.