Budget 2026: Minister seeks funds for psychiatric ICU in Central Mental Hospital

Minister of state for mental health, Mary Butler, said additional funding was being sought to begin opening the intensive care rehabilitation unit at the Central Mental Hospital in 2026. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

Funding is being sought in Tuesday’s budget to commence the delayed opening of a psychiatric unit in the Central Mental Hospital which could "significantly reduce" the lengthy waiting times for severely ill prisoners to be admitted.

Minister of state for mental health, Mary Butler, said that “additional funding” was being sought to begin opening the intensive care rehabilitation unit in 2026.