Photograph: Getty ImagesImprovements to disability services, an 18 per cent increase in the number of cervical screening tests and an additional 2,200 consultations for children and young people with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service are among the commitments contained in the Health Service Executive’s service plan for 2026. The plan sets out how the executive intends to spend the €29 billion allocated to it for next year, a figure that includes some €3.8 billion for disability services from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. “The Government’s priority for 2026 is to improve healthcare access and quality across all health regions,” said Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. Despite this, it is envisaged there will be an additional 300 posts in mental health services and contributed numbers growth in key areas. Services will be improved for both young and older people, it is said, with a continued emphasis on reducing waiting times for procedures.

Source: The Irish Times December 23, 2025 15:36 UTC