The Psychological Society of Ireland

Lobbying Organisation The Psychological Society of Ireland

Date published 21 May, 2026

Relevant Matter Public policy or programme

Public Policy Area Health

Period 1 Jan. 2026 to 30 Apr. 2026

Specific Details Meeting with the Government Chief Whip and Minister for Mental Health to discuss strengthening mental health services in Ireland, including service gaps, workforce challenges, and policy priorities.

Intended results To advocate for investment in mental health services, prioritisation of workforce capacity, evidence-informed service delivery, and reforms aligned with best practice and recovery-oriented, rights-based care.

Name of person primarily responsible for lobbying on this activity Dr Sarah Cassidy, PSI President; Dr Damien Lowry, PSI Past-President; Dr Orlaith McCaul, PSI Executive Director; Kennedy Fiorella, PSI Policy & Advocacy Manager

Did any Designated Public Official(DPO) or former Designated Public Official(DPO) carry out lobbying activities on your behalf in relation to this return? You must include yourself, and answer Yes, if you are a current DPO or a DPO at any time in the past. (What is a Designated Public Official?) No

Did you manage or direct a grassroots campaign? No

Was this lobbying done on behalf of a client? No

Lobbying activity

The following activities occurred for this specific Subject Matter Area.

Meeting (1)

The meeting focused on PSI’s perspective on strengthening mental health services, identifying service gaps, supporting workforce planning, and aligning Departmental policy priorities with evidence-based, person-centred mental health care.

Designated public officials lobbied

The following DPOs were lobbied during this return period on this specific Subject Matter Area. These DPOs were involved in at least one of the Lobbying Activities listed above, but not necessarily all of them. As returns are specific to a Subject Matter Area the above Lobbying Activities may be associated with multiple returns.

Mary Butler Minister of State (Department of Health)

Ian Power Special Adviser (Department of the Taoiseach)