Three-year funding commitment would 'overhaul' men's mental health, Oireachtas committee told 

The findings also revealed that the Irish public are worried about young men. Half of Irish adults believe this group are becoming more isolated. Furthermore, 62% say young men struggle to find purpose in Irish society today. File picture

A three-year funding commitment would overhaul men's mental health, an Oireachtas committee has been told.

Movember, the men's health charity, made the claim in a hearing of the Oireachtas Health Committee on Thursday.

In the organisation’s first ever appearance before committee members, Movember’s country director, Sarah Ouellette, said that 40.2% of men die prematurely before the age of 75 and the vast majority of these deaths are preventable. 

Ms Ouellette also stressed the importance of early intervention and community-based approaches specifically designed to reach and engage men at risk.

“There are multiple examples of excellent Government-funded community initiatives. The Men’s Sheds network and the CAIRDE2 suicide prevention outreach by the construction industry are just two of many that operate on very limited resources but make a very significant difference.

“Year-on-year funding of such outreach is welcome, but a longer-term commitment can deliver more meaningful outcomes because it empowers these programmes to achieve so much more. 

"Moving from annual funding to a three-year horizon gives proven community organisations the certainty to plan, retain capacity and scale what works. Crucially, in terms of value for public money, it provides a meaningful period in which to measure outcomes and build evidence."

Research undertaken by the charity found that more than 75% of Irish adults are concerned by the state of men’s health; this concern is pervasive and extends across diverse social and political groups. 

The findings also revealed that the Irish public are worried about young men. Half of Irish adults believe this group are becoming more isolated. Furthermore, 62% say young men struggle to find purpose in Irish society today.

Nicola Byrne of Shine told the committee that the challenge in men's mental health is "not simply to encourage men to talk more".

"We must also ensure that, when they do, they are met with understanding, appropriate support, and a genuine opportunity to recover."

Dr Joseph Duffy of youth mental health organisation Jigsaw said mental health difficulties are common in young men, with a latest estimate indicating approximately 13% of young males between the ages of 15 and 19 in Ireland experience poor mental health.

Rise in referrals 

He added that there has been little change in gender mix over the last year, but there has been substantial growth in overall referral numbers during 2026, with both male and female referrals rising by 35%.

"Young men presenting to Jigsaw most commonly come with a mix of emotional, social, behavioural, and developmental difficulties rather than a single issue. They are likely to present with anxiety, low mood, suicidal ideation and self-harm, substance use, emotional problems, social isolation and loneliness, family and relationship difficulties, identity and masculinity issues. There has been a significant increase in neurodevelopmental difficulties which may include autism, ADHD and other learning difficulties."

He added that the surge in demand for mental health supports like Jigsaw, while concerning, can point to declining stigma and increased awareness and that increased investment, improved integration and a sharper focus on early intervention, especially among our male population, are now needed if we are to make a meaningful difference to the mental health and wellbeing of Ireland’s young people.

• Paul Hosford is Deputy Political Editor.