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Minister Butler welcomes further decline in number of people presenting to Emergency Departments with self-harm

The Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD, has today welcomed the publication of the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland Annual Report 2025, which shows a further decrease in the number of people presenting to Irish hospitals following self-harm.

In 2025, the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland estimated that there were 12,340 self-harm presentations made by 9,329 individuals. The estimated age-standardised rate of individuals presenting to hospital following self-harm was 176 per 100,000 population. This is 3% lower than the rate recorded in 2024 and 21% lower than the peak rate recorded by the Registry in 2010. The report also found that the rates of hospital-presenting self-harm among both men and women were the lowest recorded since the Registry achieved near-national coverage.

Reflecting on the findings of the report, Minister Butler said:

“I am very pleased to welcome the continued reduction in the rate of hospital-presenting self-harm in Ireland. The latest findings from the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland show a further decrease in 2025, continuing the substantial progress made over the past decade.

“Particularly encouraging is the finding that the rates of hospital-presenting self-harm among both men and women are now the lowest recorded by the Registry. This represents real progress, while reminding us that every presentation reflects a person experiencing significant distress and in need of support.

“The publication of this report comes at an important time as we begin implementation ofIreland's Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm: Connecting for Life 2026-2035. Our new national strategy places a dedicated and enhanced focus on reducing self-harm and improving outcomes for people who self-harm, recognising both the significant impact of self-harm on individuals and families and its importance as a risk factor for future suicidal behaviour.

“The National Self-Harm Registry Ireland is central to that work. The high-quality data provided by the Registry enables us to better understand patterns and trends in self-harm, identify emerging risks and ensure that services and supports are informed by evidence.”

The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the National Suicide Research Foundation, the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention and the National Clinical Programme for Self-Harm and Suicide-related Ideation in ensuring that suicide and self-harm prevention efforts continue to be informed by robust evidence and high-quality data.

“I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of the National Suicide Research Foundation - which I recently visited - in operating the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland, which is recognised internationally as a world-leading surveillance system. The Registry provides invaluable information that helps us understand patterns and trends in self-harm and supports the development of effective responses.

“I would also like to acknowledge the ongoing work of the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention and the National Clinical Programme for Self-Harm and Suicide-related Ideation in ensuring that people who present to our health services in distress receive compassionate, timely and evidence-based care.

“It is essential that every person who presents to an Emergency Department following self-harm is met with understanding, respect and appropriate support. Continued implementation of the National Clinical Programme for Self-Harm and Suicide-related Ideation will remain an important priority in ensuring timely assessment, intervention and follow-up care for people experiencing distress.”

Looking ahead, Minister Butler said that the findings would help inform implementation of Ireland's new suicide and self-harm reduction strategy.

“While the overall trends are encouraging, the report highlights the continuing impact of self-harm on younger age groups, particularly adolescent girls. Although rates among young women have fallen significantly in recent years, supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people remains a key priority.

“Ireland's Strategy to Reduce Suicide and Self-harm: Connecting for Life 2026-2035 recognises the important contribution that action on the social determinants of health can make to reducing suicide and self-harm. Through implementation of the strategy, we will continue to work across Government and with key stakeholders to support those most at risk.

“Although the continued reduction in self-harm presentations is welcome, we know there is no room for complacency. By continuing to invest in prevention, early intervention and timely support, we can build on the progress achieved to date and further reduce the number of people experiencing self-harm and suicidal distress.

“I will continue my work with the National Suicide Research Foundation, the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention, people with lived experience and partners across Government and society to implement these commitments and improve outcomes for people across Ireland.”