Ireland has recorded another decline in hospital presentations following self-harm, according to the latest National Self-Harm Registry Ireland Annual Report. The figures were welcomed by Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler, who said the reduction represents progress while emphasising the need for compassionate, timely support for everyone experiencing distress.
Published by the Department of Health on 18 September 2026, the report provides important evidence for national mental-health planning and the implementation of Ireland’s Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm: Connecting for Life 2026–2035.
Self-harm presentations in Ireland decline further
The National Self-Harm Registry Ireland estimated that 12,340 presentations were made to Irish hospitals following self-harm in 2025. These presentations involved 9,329 individuals.
The estimated age-standardised rate was 176 people per 100,000 population. This represented:
- A 3% decrease compared with 2024
- A 21% decrease from the peak rate recorded in 2010
- The lowest recorded rates for both men and women since the Registry reached near-national coverage
Minister Butler said the figures were encouraging but stressed that every presentation represents a person facing significant distress and requiring appropriate care.
Health services focus on compassionate, evidence-based care
The report’s findings will support continued work by the Health Service Executive (HSE), including its National Office for Suicide Prevention and the National Clinical Programme for Self-Harm and Suicide-related Ideation.
The Minister highlighted the importance of ensuring that people arriving at Emergency Departments are treated with understanding, dignity and respect. Timely assessment, intervention and follow-up care remain central to improving outcomes and reducing the risk of repeated self-harm or future suicidal behaviour.
The National Suicide Research Foundation operates the Registry, which provides data on patterns, trends and emerging risks. This information helps policymakers and healthcare professionals design services based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Young people remain a priority
Although rates among young women have fallen significantly in recent years, the report continues to identify a substantial impact on younger age groups, particularly adolescent girls. Supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing will therefore remain an important part of the new national strategy.
The strategy also recognises the role of social determinants of health. Addressing factors affecting living conditions, education, opportunity, relationships and access to support will require cooperation across Government departments and with community organisations.
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What the new strategy means for prevention
Connecting for Life 2026–2035 is intended to build on existing suicide and self-harm prevention work. Its implementation will involve national services, researchers, people with lived experience and partners across Irish society.
Key priorities highlighted in the announcement include:
- Strengthening prevention and early intervention
- Improving access to timely mental-health support
- Using high-quality data to identify risks and service needs
- Improving assessment and follow-up after hospital presentation
- Supporting groups experiencing particular vulnerability, including adolescents
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Why the findings matter
The continuing fall in hospital-presenting self-harm is a positive national trend, but the Department of Health has warned against complacency. Reliable monitoring remains essential because hospital figures represent only people who present for treatment and do not capture every experience of self-harm.
The Registry’s data will help guide future policy, while the HSE and clinical programmes continue working to ensure that people in crisis receive suitable support. The central takeaway is clear: progress is possible, but sustained investment in prevention, early intervention and compassionate care is still needed.
Anyone experiencing immediate danger should contact emergency services. People in distress should seek support from a healthcare professional or a trusted person as soon as possible.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
