Investment of €7 million in digital mental healthcare includes online cognitive-behavioural therapy and text-based supports
The country’s first strategy focused on how technology can be used in mental healthcare will improve the accessibility and availability of services and supports, the Minister in charge of its implementation has claimed.
Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler launched the Sharing the Vision Digital Mental Health Strategy 2026-2030 at the third annual Digital Mental Health Conference in partnership with University of Limerick.
The publication, which is aligned with the Digital for Care 2030 Framework, is the first stand-alone strategy focused solely on digital mental health.
“This strategy sets out a clear vision: to harness and scale the use of digital technologies to provide safe, effective and accessible mental health information, tools and services,” the Minister said.
“It represents a significant step forward in how we deliver mental health services in Ireland. By embracing digital innovation, we can expand accessibility and increase reach so that more people can access the supports they need. This is about building a more connected, responsive and inclusive mental health service.”
Under Budget 2026 an additional €1 million was provided to implement the strategy. This brings investment in digital mental health services – such as online cognitive-behavioural therapy and text-based supports – to over €7 million for this year.
The strategy sets out seven core themes:
- Access and Equity – ensuring digital mental health supports are inclusive and accessible to under-served and marginalised groups.
- Communications, Culture and Capability – increasing public trust, awareness and digital literacy, and supporting staff through training and upskilling.
- Comprehensive and Integrated Digital Offerings – embedding digital supports across the full continuum of mental health care, from promotion to acute services.
- Collaboration and Co‑Production – ensuring the voices of people with lived and living experience are central to design and delivery.
- Technology and Infrastructure – aligning with the wider Digital for Care transformation and supporting key enablers such as the Electronic Health Record and Community Care Record.
- Research, Evaluation and Innovation – developing evidence, data and learning systems to support continuous improvement.
- Governance – strengthening oversight, standards and regulation to ensure safety, quality and accountability.
