05 January 2026
Professor Eunice McCarthy, former PSI President, passes away
The PSI was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of former Society President (1994/95) Professor Eunice McCarthy, who died on 30 December 2025. A pioneer in work and organisational psychology, Eunice founded the PSI Interest Group in Work and Organisational Psychology, which subsequently became the Division of Work and Organisational Psychology (DWOP) in 2001.
Our thoughts are with Eunice's family, friends and colleagues. Please click here to read the post from DWOP and Dr Joan Tiernan on Eunice's legacy.
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02 January 2026
The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) welcomes Dr Sarah Cassidy as Society President for 2026
PSI Chartered Member Dr Sarah Cassidy becomes the 56th Society President, taking on the role from 01 January 2026. We look forward to Sarah bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to the role. In November 2025, at the PSI Annual Conference, Sarah delivered her President's Address.
To watch Sarah's presidential address, please check back later when the recording will be available to view.
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2025 In Review
- January saw Dr Damien Lowry take over the PSI presidency from Dr Odhrán Mc Carthy.
- In March, the PSI was represented at the rescheduled HSE Autism Protocol consultation at Dr Steevens’ Hospital, joining other professional bodies. The meeting covered proposed pathways for a tiered autism assessment system and provided an opportunity to discuss key concerns outlined in a previous PSI submission.
- In April, the PSI welcomed the publication of the Sharing the Vision Implementation Plan 2025-2027. Read the full press release here.
- Later in April, the PSI called for suicide-specific, evidence-informed care in Ireland’s next national suicide reduction policy. Read the full press release here.
- In June, the PSI submitted a detailed response to the Department of Health’s consultation on the development of Protection of Liberty Safeguards (PoLS) legislation, with the Society calling for a person-centred approach. Read the full press release here.
- In July, the PSI issued a press release calling for an immediate end to the practice of accessing therapy notes in legal cases involving rape and sexual assault in Ireland. This followed the Society's Position Statement on the Use of Therapy Notes in Legal Cases Involving Rape and Sexual Assault, in which the Society highlighted the significant harm this practice causes to survivors and its detrimental impact on access to psychological care.
- Later in July, the Society submitted to the Mental Health Commission Public Consultation to inform the development of a Code of Practice on the Use of Surveillance in Mental Health Services. Read the full submission here.
- August saw the PSI complete the purchase of the Society's first property - a two-storey commercial premises in the Old Distillery Building on Beresford Street, Dublin 7.
- In September, Dr Orlaith McCaul was appointed as PSI Executive Director (ED). Having been without a CEO since August 2024, Orlaith's appointment to the ED position was welcomed by staff, Council, and the wider membership.
- In September, the PSI called on the Government to transform mental health with Budget 2026. Read the Society's pre-budget submission here.
- At the PSI Annual Conference in November, leading figures, such as Dr Mary McAleese, joined the Society to explore the power of psychology. Read the full press release here.
- In December, the PSI highlighted the importance of timely, evidence-informed support for children and families. Read the full press release here.
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