Mental health services for people with intellectual disability in Ireland: evidence, barriers and opportunities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to outline the historical background and policy context of mental health services for people with intellectual disability (ID) in Ireland. It then considers recent implementation and lessons from the Irish experience. Design/methodology/approach The policy background and research literature relevant to the development of mental health services for people with ID in Ireland was reviewed and discussed. Findings Mental health services in Ireland remain in a state of change, moving towards the implementation of specialist multi-disciplinary teams in the community, alongside previous models of care and service. Research limitations/implications This paper summarises recent advances and research regarding mental health services for people with ID in Ireland. Practical implications The paper illustrates the process of delivering changes to mental health services with practical implications for mental health services internationally. Originality/value This is the first paper in many years to summarise the development of mental health services for people with ID in Ireland. There has been considerable recent change and it is therefore important to provide a useful reference for the current status of services.