Sample survey finds strong public support for regulation of CAMHS

Mental Health Commission remit to be extended under new Act

A sample survey conducted with visitors to Bloom 2026 has revealed almost unanimous public support for the independent regulation of community mental health services in Ireland, including CAMHS, by the Mental Health Commission (MHC).

The survey, which was conducted with 137 of the thousands of visitors to the MHC’s award-winning ‘Future in Mind’ show garden over the first three days of the festival, was designed to provide an indicative snapshot of public views on the current and future regulation of mental health services.

When asked whether they were aware that only about 1% of mental health services in Ireland are currently independently regulated – made up of the 67 approved inpatient services across the State - more than 90% of respondents said they were ‘surprised’ or ‘very surprised’ to learn this fact.

More than 97% of respondents said they felt ‘very positive’ about the fact that community mental health services, including community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), will soon come under independent regulation by the MHC as part of the new Mental Health Act 2026.

In addition, 100% of those surveyed said that independent regulation of mental health services was "extremely important".

Commenting on the findings, John Farrelly, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Commission, said: "The findings from this sample survey of visitors to our Future In Mind Garden at Bloom are striking. Going by this sample survey, most people in Ireland are unaware that just 1% of mental health services are currently regulated and were surprised to learn this.

"Equally significant is the very strong support expressed for the future regulation of community mental health services, including community CAMHS services, under the Mental Health Act 2026. Almost every person surveyed felt positive about these important changes and, not surprisingly, all viewed independent regulation as extremely important.

"Although this was a small sample survey of 137 visitors to the garden, the results point to a clear public expectation that people using mental health services, wherever they receive care, should benefit from independent oversight and accountability. The Mental Health Commission looks forward to working with the Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, and her departmental officials to implement the new regulatory framework and helping to ensure that community mental health services meet the standards of quality, safety and respect that service users, families and the public rightly expect."

The Mental Health Act 2026 will significantly expand the Mental Health Commission's regulatory remit beyond the 67 inpatient approved centres to include community mental health services, bringing independent oversight to a much wider range of services used by people across Ireland.

The survey was conducted during Bloom 2026, where the Mental Health Commission's Future In Mind Garden – designed by Joe Eustace - received three Gold medals and the Designers' Choice Award.