Written answer
Artificial Intelligence
Ireland’s Digital Mental Health Strategy acknowledges AI chatbots but does not treat them as dedicated therapeutic interventions. Existing guidance requires AI in mental health services to be safe, transparent, accountable, privacy-protecting and supportive of—not a replacement for—professional judgment; the HSE was asked to address operational matters.
495. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if her Department has researched AI therapy chatbots or mental health tools; and if her Department is exploring options for the regulation of AI tools purporting to provide therapeutic services. [68023/26]
Comment on this
Sharing the Vision's Digital Mental Health Strategy 2026-2030 aims to provide a clear vision, focus efforts, and guide implementation in digital mental health to 2030. The strategy acknowledges the use of AI chatbots, however they are not designed or developed to be used specifically as mental health interventions.
The forthcoming WHO Digital Mental Health Roadmap, being developed in collaboration with Ireland's Health Service Executive (HSE) and Department of Health, is expected to provide practical guidance, evidence-informed recommendations and international examples to support countries in developing safe, effective, equitable and inclusive digital mental health services across the life course.
The Department of Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation (D/PEIPSRD) has provided Guidelines for the Responsible Use of AI in the Public Service www.gov.ie/en/department-of-public-expenditure-infrastructure-public-service-reform-and-digitalisation/publications/guidelines-for-the-responsible-use-of-ai-in-the-public-service/ to assist public servants and government Departments in making informed decisions about using AI and identifying and addressing potential risks in an AI system’s lifecycle. In addition, in July 2026, HIQA published its National Guidance for the Responsible and Safe Use of Artificial Intelligence in Health and Social Care Services. www.hiqa.ie/reports-and-publications/guide/national-guidance-responsible-and-safe-use-artificial-intelligence
The new HIQA guidance is intended for all health and social care services including mental health services and is structured around four core principles: accountability, a human-rights based approach, safety and wellbeing, and responsiveness. It emphasises that robust governance arrangements, clear lines of accountability, transparency regarding the use of AI, protection of privacy and confidentiality, and ongoing monitoring of AI systems are essential safeguards. Importantly, the guidance makes clear that AI tools should support, but not replace, professional judgement and decision-making.
AI can be ethically used to improve mental health services in Ireland, to enhance digital tools and assist organisations with being more operationally efficient. The use of any AI in mental health services must be developed in line with D/PEIPSRD and HIQA guidance.
HSE-funded services, including community and voluntary based mental health organisations, should be applying these principles in line with the relevant guidance if incorporating any AI element into their operations or services.
People who are struggling with their mental health and seeking help online should always be signposted to trusted and verified supports, including online tailored supports such as My Mental Health Plan, Spunout's Navigator, Turn2me, MyMind and instant services such as Text About It.
To the extent that this relates to an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to you as soon as possible.