3919. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health whether her Department is preparing or intends to prepare a national strategy to address loneliness and social isolation as a public health issue; the engagement that has taken place with other Departments on this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58134/26]

The issue of loneliness is recognised by Government as a public health concern with clear links to poorer mental health outcomes, reduced wellbeing and increased risk of social isolation, particularly among older people. A key priority for Government is supporting older people to continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible and to increasing the level of support available in our communities for older people.

We are taking a broad, whole-of-government approach to addressing loneliness and social isolation in recognition of the importance of social connection, community participation and mental wellbeing across the life course.

Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone 2020–2030 recommends improving links between primary care and specialist mental health services, consultation-liaison psychiatry, shared care models, efforts to better address the physical health needs of people accessing specialist mental health services within the primary care context, supports for positive aging and the development of a dedicated mental health promotion plan.

In December 2024, the Department of Health published Pathways to Wellbeing – Ireland’s National Mental Health Promotion Plan, which sets out a comprehensive framework for mental health promotion. A core priority of the Plan is strengthening community belonging and connectedness and addressing loneliness and isolation as key determinants of mental health, including among older people. A Phase 1 Implementation Plan (2026-2027) is due for publication in Q2 2026 and will set out a programme of cross-government actions to progress these objectives.

In parallel, work is underway on the development of a new Healthy Ireland Framework (2026–2040), which will continue to address the social determinants of health, including loneliness and social isolation, at a population level through coordinated cross-government action.

The Commission on Care for Older People, established in Ireland in March 2024, is charged with examining the provision of health and social care services and supports for older people and with making recommendations to the Government for their strategic development. Subsequently, a cross-Departmental group will be established under the auspices of the Commission to consider whether the supports for positive ageing across the life-course are fit-for-purpose and to develop a costed implementation plan for options to maximise these supports.

While there is currently no standalone National Loneliness Strategy, the issue is being addressed through these integrated policy frameworks, recognising that loneliness intersects with a range of factors including housing, transport, community development, and health services across the life course. Responsibility for actions in this area is therefore shared across a number of Government Departments and agencies, with the Department of Health playing a key role in overall policy coordination in relation to health and wellbeing.

A wide range of targeted initiatives are being delivered to address loneliness and social isolation, including Men’s Sheds/Sheds for Life, Social prescribing, the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, Meals on Wheels and Day Care Services, and Home Support Services. These services provide valuable health support to their clients and also offer a social outlet which can be particularly beneficial to those living in rural communities.

Overall, the Government’s approach is to embed action on loneliness within broader health, wellbeing and social policy and older persons frameworks, ensuring sustained, cross sectoral impacts. The Government will continue to keep the need for further targeted policy responses, including consideration of a standalone National Loneliness Strategy under review in the context of ongoing policy development, including any recommendations made by the Commission on Care for Older People and implementation of the frameworks outlined above.