Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD and Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, today published the Pathways to Wellbeing Implementation Plan, marking an important milestone in Ireland’s public health and mental health journey.
Launched at the Sharing the Vision Learning Event, 2026, in Dublin, the Pathways to Wellbeing Implementation Plan sets out a shared national approach to improving mental health and wellbeing at a population level over the coming two years. It supports the delivery of key national health and mental health strategies including, Healthy Ireland, Sharing the Vision and Sláintecare, each of which is underpinned by a commitment to prevention, equity and population wellbeing.
Pathways to Wellbeing recognises that mental health is shaped by the environments in which people live, learn, work and connect – these environments are influenced by policies and programmes across Government. The plan provides a framework for coordinated action across Government departments, statutory bodies and the community and voluntary sector to strengthen the protective factors for good mental health and wellbeing. The Implementation Plan sets out a programme of evidence-informed actions to be progressed over the coming two years, with a focus on embedding mental health promotion in policy and practice across key settings and stages of life.
The Plan prioritises the provision of supports and intervention across key areas including:
- Strengthening the foundations for positive mental health in the early years
- Enhancing children and young people’s social and emotional development
- Strengthening community belonging and connectedness
- Ensuring mental health promotion is integrated in the workplace
- Addressing the social and structural determinants of mental health and reducing mental health inequalities
Delivery of the Plan will be led by Healthy Ireland within the Department of Health.
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD said:
“I am delighted to welcome the publication of the Pathways to Wellbeing Implementation Plan. This plan focuses on practical actions across multiple settings from early years and schools to communities and workplaces. This Plan will play an important role in improving mental health and wellbeing at both individual and community level, while ensuring that mental health promotion is a central pillar of a healthier, fairer and more resilient Ireland for the future.”
Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD said:
“Pathways to Wellbeing is about helping people stay mentally well and getting support early if challenges arise. It makes it clear that mental health isn’t just the job of specialist services, it’s something we all share responsibility for, including Government, workplaces, communities, and all of us as individuals.”
“The plan focuses especially on people who may be more at risk of mental health challenges, while also supporting everyone in the wider population. By combining supports for all with extra help where it’s needed most, and by involving communities in shaping solutions, Pathways to Wellbeing aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental wellbeing.”
“It also recognises that there are things we can all do to look after our mental health such as staying connected with friends, looking after our physical health through good sleep and daily movement, taking time to mindfully relax, and supporting others by checking in on people around us. There is no health without mental health.”
Brian Higgins, Assistant National Director, Adult Mental Health Services of the Health Service Executive (HSE), said:
“The HSE welcomes the publication of the Pathways to Wellbeing Implementation Plan and looks forward to supporting its delivery in partnership with the Department of Health. Promoting positive mental health and wellbeing at population level will improve outcomes across the general population and reduce the need for more intensive interventions over time.
This Plan provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration, align existing initiatives and ensure that mental health promotion is integrated across key services and settings.”
