National Social Monitor : Policies for the Next Generation - Health

This section of our National Social Monitor: The Future Starts Now: Policies for the Next Generation looks briefly at health issues for young people. 

Access to Mental Health Services  

Ireland’s mental health services have experienced chronic underfunding with less than 6 per cent of the health budget being allocated to mental health. This is far below the target of 10 per cent set by Sláintecare and the 12 per cent recommended by the World Health Organization. Mental health issues are more common among young people, with those aged 18-24 eight times more likely to experience a mental health disorder than people aged 55 and above (Hyland et al, 2022). Mental health issues often begin in adolescence and early adulthood, yet access to care for young people remains limited, with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) under severe pressure. As of April 2025, more than 4,500 children and adolescents were waiting for the first CAMHS appointments (Table 1). Moreover, the 2025 figure includes more than 760 waiting over a year. These delays in access affect young people at the very stage in life when mental health difficulties are most common as they transition into adulthood. 

Table 1: CAMHS waiting list data at the end of April 2025

Source: Dáil Question Paper, 10 June 2025, PQ 29105/25

Wider wellbeing factors reflect the impact of these pressures. Finances, employment insecurity, education pressures and relationships are listed as key factors impacting young people’s mental health. Additionally, one in three 15 year olds in Ireland record low life satisfaction which highlights the scale of young people’s mental health challenges (UNICEF, 2025). The national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision 2020-2030 commits to providing accessible, community based mental health services. The 2025-2027 implementation plan prioritises children, adolescents, and young adults, including improved transition supports between CAMHS and adult services. These policy objectives aim to prevent young people from losing access to mental health services during the transition into adulthood. The Government has increased funding for mental health services in recent budgets, planning to expand staffing and support. Despite these commitments long waiting lists and staff shortages limit access to timely care for young people when they need it most.

Youth mental health supports are essential for helping young people cope with challenges such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Open conversations about mental health can reduce stigma and encourage young people to seek help when needed. Digital resources, helplines, and youth-friendly services make support more accessible. Strong support systems can improve resilience, wellbeing, and long-term outcomes. Investing in youth mental health ensures healthier individuals, stronger communities, and a more positive future for society as a whole.

Healthcare Wait-Times

Long wait times across the entire health system has a major impact on young people. At the end of 2025 over 750,000 people were waiting for appointments or treatment, with thousands waiting for more than 18 months (Chart 1). 64 per cent of patients have been waiting longer than the Sláintecare targets of 10 weeks for outpatients and 12 weeks for inpatients. These delays directly affect many services relied on by young people, including mental health services, gynaecology and orthopaedics, delaying treatment at critical stages of development in life.

Chart 1: People on waiting lists for treatment, 2023 - 2025

Source: National Treatment Purchase Find, enhanced waiting list data

The Waiting List Action Plan has helped to reduce the number of patients waiting over 12 months by 58 per cent since 2021. The 2025 Waiting List Action Plan aimed to have at least 50 per cent of patients treated within the Sláintecare targets and to reduce the weighted average wait time to 5.5 months, with further reforms planned in the 2026 action plan. Although improvements have been made, long waiting lists continue to disproportionately impact on young people aged 15-29 with less ability to afford private care. Delays in accessing health care allows conditions to worsen which can disrupt advancements in education and early careers increasing the risk of a long-term health and economic disadvantage.

Healthcare waiting times are a major challenge affecting patient outcomes and satisfaction. Long delays can worsen conditions, increase stress, and strain healthcare systems. Addressing waiting times requires better resource allocation, increased staffing, and improved efficiency. Reducing delays ensures timely treatment, enhances patient care, and strengthens trust in healthcare services for everyone.

Policy Priorities

• Increase mental health funding to at least 10 per cent of the health budget, in line with Sláintecare.
• Introduce priority treatment pathways for young people to prevent disruptions during the transition to adulthood.