David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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141. To ask the Minister for Health the steps she will take to reduce premature mortality among men; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52533/25]

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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As you are aware, Ireland was the first country to have a National Policy on Men's Health and this Government remains committed to reducing premature mortality among men. The HSE is leading on the implementation of the second Men’s Health Action Plan, launched in late 2024. Following its publication, €200,000 was allocated in Budget 2025 to recruit a National Lead for Men’s Health, and €100,000 to support programme development. Recruitment was completed in July, and the National Lead appointed in late September.

Implementation is progressing alongside other innovative projects that my Department is involved in, including On Feirm Ground and CAIRDE among others. The Irish Men’s Shed Association is funded by both my Department and the Department of Community and Rural Development. Separate funding is provided for the Sheds for Life Programme, a 10-week community-based health promotion initiative focused on the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of men’s sheds members.

In December 2024, the Department of Health launched Pathways to Wellbeing, the National Mental Health Promotion Plan, which aims to improve mental health through universal and targeted supports, addressing the needs of those most at risk. Work is also underway on the successor to the Connecting for Life strategy, which will enhance support in the context of suicide—from prevention to intervention to postvention. In addition, Minister Butler announced €2 million in funding to expand counselling supports for men with the aim of increasing access to supports when required.