4058. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health whether Budget 2027 proposals include additional investment in community mental health and suicide prevention services, particularly in areas with growing populations and higher levels of deprivation, including north Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58986/26]

As is the case each year, the Department of Health is engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and the HSE, in relation to the Estimates 2027 process. Until Budget 2027 is concluded, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the matter raised by the Deputy.

I will continue to enhance mental health services nationally through the allocation of additional funding for mental health in 2027. The Government's clear commitment to enhancing mental health care is demonstrated by significant funding increases provided over recent years. Budget 2026 provided a record allocation for mental health of almost €1.6 billion, representing an increase of more than 50% since I assumed my role of Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health in 2020.

This sustained growth in funding has supported continued policy implementation and service improvement in line with Sharing the Vision 2020-2030, Ireland's national mental health policy, and Connecting for Life 2026-2035, our new national suicide and self-harm reduction strategy. Such investment supports a broad continuum of care, from mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention through to specialist mental health services for all our population.

Importantly, as budgets increase, we must ensure that robust plans and strategies are in place so that resources are used in the best possible way for the benefit of people using our mental health services. I will continue to keep this approach to the fore in the context of finalising the Estimates 2027 process and the HSE Service Plan for next year.