Mental Health Commission welcomes publication of Government’s new suicide and self-harm reduction strategy

The Mental Health Commission (MHC) has welcomed the publication of Ireland’s Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm: Connecting for Life 2026–2035, the Government’s new national strategy aimed at reducing suicide and self-harm over the next decade.

The strategy sets out a whole-of-government approach to reducing suicide and self-harm, with a target of reducing the suicide rate in Ireland to 7 per 100,000 population or lower by 2035.

As Ireland’s independent regulator for mental health services, the MHC said that the strategy reflects the importance of high-quality, compassionate and accessible mental health supports, alongside early intervention and improved public understanding of suicide and self-harm.

The Chairperson of the Mental Health Commission, John Hillery, said: “The Mental Health Commission welcomes this important strategy, and acknowledges the commitment by the Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, the Department of Health, the HSE and many other stakeholders, including the Lived Experience Reference Group, in the development of this critical document.

The Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, John Farrelly, said: “Suicide continues to affect so many families in Ireland on a daily basis and it is important to acknowledge that we are tackling it collaboratively, strategically and with a renewed determination. This is a strategy built on evidence and shaped by lived experience that will greatly benefit families across Ireland across the coming years. Critically, it embeds the voice of lived experience in State policy, and, alongside the delivery of Sharing the Vision and the new Mental Health Act 2026, it sets out a clear pathway to reduce suicide and self-harm in Ireland.

“The Mental Health Commission will continue to work with the Department of Health and the Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, to improve early intervention and mental health services, including through the development of the first ever standards for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).”