Photograph: CollinsA new model of care is needed to reduce waiting lists for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other neurodivergent conditions who are often “pushed to the back of the queue”, the Government Minister with responsibility for mental health has said. Minister of State Mary Butler described 2026 as a “pivotal” year for mental health, largely due to the forthcoming enactment of the Mental Health Bill. “And when you have somebody who’s involuntarily detained, they are ill, they’re very, very ill. About 50,000 people per year seek mental health support for the first time through EDs, some of whom do not receive timely treatment and leave. “Often in the evening times, non-consultant hospital doctors are doing their rotation in the emergency department and they may not be specialising in mental health,” she said.

Source: The Irish Times February 03, 2026 18:02 UTC