Diabetes Ireland is delighted to launch its Pre-Budget Submission 2026
In 2026, we are urging the Minister for Health, the Department of Health, and the Government to commit €4 Million to Address Critical Gaps in Diabetes Care
Diabetes Ireland is calling on the Government to allocate €4 million in Budget 2026 to kickstart the long-overdue implementation of a National Diabetes Strategy — a commitment made in the current Programme for Government.
This funding request follows the anticipated publication of the Department of Health’s Diabetes Policy and Services Review, which is expected to recommend a five-year roadmap to improve diabetes care and outcomes nationwide.
Key Funding Priorities for 2026 (see the full Pre-Budget Submission here)
- Develop Diabetes Leadership Positions in HSE Health Regions
To ensure the implementation of the National Diabetes Strategy, secure €869,000 to appoint Regional Diabetes Leads and supporting staff in each HSE region to effectively plan, develop and resource local diabetes care services across Ireland.
- Provide Access to Mental Health and Psychological Support Services for People with Diabetes
To address the well-recognised gap of a lack of psychological support for people with diabetes, secure €1.8m to establish six Regional Diabetes Psychology Support Teams across the HSE.
Secure €315,000 to roll out Diabetes Ireland Mental Health and Wellbeing Group Support Programmes specifically tailored for adults living with diabetes Type 2 diabetes, Adults with Type 1 diabetes and Parents of children and teens with Type 1 diabetes.
- Ensure All People with a Clinical Diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes have access to Continuous Glucose Monitoring
To eliminate unjust exclusions, secure €1m and provide CGM technology to all people with clinically diagnosed Type 1 diabetes, including those with delayed, atypical diagnosis or misdiagnosis.
A Call to Action
Diabetes Ireland is urging the Government to seize this opportunity and lead with compassion and commitment by ensuring Budget 2026 delivers the critical funding needed to begin implementing the National Diabetes Strategy.
We have requested a meeting with the Minister for Health to discuss the pending launch of the Diabetes Policy & Services Review Report, the plans to implement its recommendations and the funding required to support it in the coming years, including the upcoming budget. All of it, to improve care for all people with diabetes in Ireland.