Ireland’s first National Mental Health Research Strategy has been launched by the Department of Health, in collaboration with the Health Research Board.
The Department said this groundbreaking initiative marked a transformative step in Ireland’s commitment to enhancing mental health services and supports through research and evidence.
“The strategy, developed in alignment with Ireland’s national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision – A Mental Health Policy for Everyone, sets a clear direction for mental health research in Ireland. The strategy’s vision is an Ireland with a thriving mental health research system that strengthens our understanding of mental health and positively impacts mental health and wellbeing for all.
“It outlines a comprehensive framework designed to foster integration, innovation, and impact, ensuring that mental health research drives evidence-based policy and practice.
Key recommendations include:
- Increase and sustain funding across the mental health research system.
- Research priority areas to advance mental health research, aligned with the Sharing the Vision policy.
- Strengthen research infrastructure, research workforce capacity, co-production and lived experience engagement, and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.
- Maximise the impact of mental health research on the wellbeing of people with mental health difficulties and their families, supporters, and communities.
The implementation of this cross-departmental strategy will be overseen by a dedicated Implementation and Oversight Group, which will be established by the Department of Health. This group will work collaboratively with key stakeholders to ensure that the strategy’s goals and recommended actions are achieved.
Dr Mairéad O’Driscoll, CEO of the Health Research Board, highlighted the Health Research Board’s leadership role in the development of the strategy:
“At the Health Research Board, people are always at the centre of what we do, and this strategy reflects that core value. By focusing on research that directly impacts individuals, families, and communities, we want to ensure that mental health research addresses real-world needs and delivers meaningful outcomes. This strategy represents a significant step forward in creating a research system that prioritises innovation and collaboration while keeping people’s mental health and wellbeing at the heart of its mission.”
Dr Fiona Keogh, Chair of the National Mental Health Research Strategy Expert Group, emphasised the transformative potential of the strategy. “This strategy represents an unprecedented opportunity to advance mental health research and bring Ireland to the forefront of mental health evidence and innovation. By building a comprehensive and integrated research system, we can address current challenges, anticipate future needs, and positively impact mental health and wellbeing for all. I urge policymakers, funders, researchers, and people with lived experience to come together in support of this strategy to create a healthier, more resilient Ireland.”
This landmark research strategy aims to unite diverse stakeholders across sectors towards a shared vision of wellbeing and good mental health for the whole population.
