Health Groups Urge Action in Budget 2026 for Improved Care

Healthcare organizations across Ireland are advocating for significant investments in the upcoming Budget 2026 announcement, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced services and resources. With public health spending projected to reach record levels this year, the government’s focus on cost-cutting may create challenges for these essential improvements.

The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) is calling for a cross-departmental initiative to address health inequalities, a critical issue highlighted by its president, Dr. Anne Dee. She stated, “A person’s health outcomes are based on a range of social and economic factors, with poverty one of the key contributors to poor health. Health inequality is a chronic problem in Ireland and requires an urgent and significant response from the Government to ensure that children have the best start in life and those in greatest need receive optimal public healthcare.”

The IMO is also pushing for the Government to commit to various initiatives.

Digital Health and Infrastructure Investments

Both the IMO and the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) emphasize the need to enhance digital capabilities within the public health service. The ICGP advocates for a comprehensive e-health record system, while the IMO seeks a commitment to a detailed investment plan aimed at fully digitalizing the health service over the next five years.

In its pre-Budget submission, the Irish Cancer Society expressed concern that only three out of 28 targets outlined in the National Cancer Strategy have been achieved. Their report indicates that, for 2024 and 2025, 14 targets have not been met, seven lack available data, and one is unlikely to reach its 2026 target based on current trends. The society is advocating for a five percent annual increase in recurrent health infrastructure spending from 2026 to 2030 and a commitment to a minimum of €20 million in dedicated funding for the national cancer strategy.

Focus on Mental Health and Cardiac Care

Mental health services continue to face significant scrutiny for failing to meet the target of allocating ten percent of the overall health budget. Despite a recent increase in funding that brought mental health spending to €1.5 billion, this still represents less than six percent of total healthcare expenditure. Mental Health Reform has requested an additional €200 million investment in Budget 2026, which would include €120 million for the development of new services aimed at addressing unmet needs.

The Irish Heart Foundation is also advocating for substantial financial support, specifically seeking €266.5 million to sustain home support services for individuals living with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Furthermore, the foundation is requesting €37 million through 2027 to ensure the full implementation of the National Stroke Strategy, along with ongoing funding for the ‘Her Heart Matters’ campaign to raise awareness about CVD among women.

Advocates are also urging the government to implement measures to reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption. The Irish Heart Foundation calls for a €1.55 increase in the price of a pack of 20 cigarettes to deter youth smoking and to expedite last year’s proposed €0.50 per milliliter tax on vaping products. Additionally, Alcohol Action Ireland is advocating for a minimum 15 percent increase in excise duty on alcohol, arguing that it has become more affordable over the past two decades. They recommend linking alcohol excise duty to inflation in future years and increasing the budget for the HSE Alcohol Programme by 20 percent annually over the next five years to meet its objectives.

As Budget 2026 approaches, the requests from various health groups underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to healthcare funding that addresses both immediate needs and long-term strategic goals. The outcome of this budget will significantly impact the quality of healthcare services available to the Irish public.