Movember Ireland is urging the Government to commit €10 million over the next two Budget cycles to fund the National Men’s Health Action Plan and to scale nationwide initiatives to support the physical and mental wellbeing of men and boys across Ireland.
In its first-ever pre-Budget submission, the charity highlights that poor men’s health is costing the state an estimated €1 billion per annum, 70 per cent of which is potentially preventable.
Movember’s Real Face of Men’s Health Report found that two-in-five men die prematurely before the age of 75 and the charity is now calling for urgent action to address the barriers facing men’s health in Ireland and to include State intervention to tackle the significant challenges facing men when it comes to taking care of their health.
The men’s health charity is also calling for the establishment of a three-year fund to support community-based men’s health programmes nationwide. Movember highlights that such a development will facilitate initiatives already successfully delivered through sports clubs, Men’s Sheds and local organisations to move beyond the current system of short-term grants, allowing programmes to scale up, expand and engage with a large number of young boys and men all over Ireland.
With men accounting for almost four-in-five deaths by suicide, Movember highlights that investment is also needed to scale mental health programmes by working with practitioners across Ireland, alongside action to address the challenges facing young men in particular.
Its submission also calls for the establishment of a paternity working group, examining how fathers can be better supported during early parenthood and how the physical, mental and financial pressures associated with having a new baby can be better shared and addressed.
Sarah Ouellette, Country Director of Movember Ireland, said: “The cost of action is modest. The cost of inaction is already being paid every day by men, families, communities and the State.
“For too long, men’s health has drifted down the policy agenda in Ireland. Yet the evidence is clear, public support exists and practical solutions are available. The question we need to ask ahead of Budget 2027 is whether we all want a healthier Ireland that is inclusive of all our men, young and old. If so, let’s make the investment needed to deliver it.
“Programmes delivered through sports clubs, community organisations, men’s sheds and local initiatives often succeed because they meet men in environments they already trust. Rather than relying on the short-term grants system in place, Ireland needs to establish a dedicated multi-year community men’s health fund, enabling organisations to plan, expand and evaluate interventions with confidence. Prevention works best when investment is sustained.”
