Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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2531. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the number of students were on waiting lists for mental health services in the years 2020-2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19542/25]

Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)
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2532. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the average length of time for waiting lists for higher level students wanting to access mental health services in the years 2020-2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19544/25]

James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 2531 and 2532 together.

My Department does not hold the information requested by the Deputy.

As autonomous bodies the internal disbursement of funding, including the funding and expansion of student services and mental health supports, is a matter for the individual institution.

As part of its broader sectoral objective of supporting students on their journey to success, in and through higher education, my Department has provided €31.9 million in additional Mental Health funding through the Higher Education Authority to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) since 2020.

HEIs have reported a breadth of positive impacts, from a reduction in engagement times to an increase in the number of sessions.

Any queries about waiting times and the number of students on waiting lists should be directed to the individual HEI.