The PSI was delighted to welcome PSI Fellow Dr Anton James to Ireland on Monday 05 October for the presentation of a piece of the Merak 2026 sensory wall, which holds the Guinness World Records title for the world’s longest sensory wall.
The piece presented to the PSI, ‘The Stilt Fisherman’, was selected for its symbolism. Drawing on the shared island heritage of Sri Lanka and Ireland, and incorporating recycled ocean plastic, the artwork represents the journey of parents raising an autistic child - without a manual, but with patience, understanding and love.
The artwork is part of the Merak 2026 project, which uses creativity and sensory art to promote autism awareness, celebrate sensory diversity and encourage greater understanding and inclusion.
The PSI is honoured to receive this unique artwork and to give it a permanent home at the Society, continuing its journey and the conversations around autism awareness from Sri Lanka to Ireland.
See the artwork and photos from the presentation in our post on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.
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The PSI has submitted its Pre-Budget Submission to the Department of Finance and the Department of Health. The document sets out three key asks to translate recent legislative and policy commitments into meaningful improvements in access to services and care.
1. Fund the Implementation of the Mental Health Act 2026
2. Invest in Psychology Workforce Planning and Expansion
3. Establish a National Neurodivergent Mental Health Pathway
Investment across these areas will help strengthen access to psychological assessment and care, support the implementation of human rights-based policy, and ensure that national commitments translate into meaningful improvements for people using mental health and disability services.
Read the full Pre-Budget Submission.
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The PSI held its Annual General Meeting on Saturday 22 August 2026 at the Hilton Dublin.
Dr Katarina Timulakova was elected as the PSI President-elect for 2027, and the following members were elected to the PSI Council for the 2027–2029 term:
The PSI extends its congratulations to Dr Timulakova and the newly elected Council members and looks forward to their contribution to the Society in the coming years.
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The PSI Special Interest Group for Addressing the Climate and Environmental Emergency (SIGACEE) welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the public consultation on the next update to the Climate Action Plan (CAP).
SIGACEE brings together psychology academics, practitioners, students and experts working to advance understanding of the psychological dimensions of climate change, support evidence-based climate action, address the mental health impacts of the climate and environmental emergency, and promote societal responses grounded in psychological science.
This submission is informed by scientific research and the PSI Position Paper on Addressing the Climate and Environmental Emergency, which emphasises that climate change is not solely an environmental or technological challenge, but also a behavioural, social, political and psychological one. The achievement of Ireland's climate goals therefore depends on our capacity to understand and influence human behaviour, public engagement, leadership, collective action, resilience, and wellbeing.
Read the full submission.
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The PSI has officially moved from its Camden Row office to new premises at the Old Distillery Building, Beresford Street, Dublin 7, D07 KP83.
Renovation works are currently underway at the new premises and will be completed in two phases. The first phase will focus on essential works to ensure the building is safe and suitable for staff. During this period, the PSI team will continue to work remotely and remain fully available by email and phone.
The second phase will focus on developing the space to support meetings, events and other activities for PSI members. The PSI looks forward to welcoming members and visitors to the new premises in the future and will provide further updates as the works progress.
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The PSI responds to the HSE Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathway Protocol, welcoming the Protocol’s intention to enhance capacity for Autism assessment across HSE clinical settings, the focus on ensuring that children and families can access public services in a more timely, equitable, and responsive manner, and the growing emphasis on neurodiversity-affirming language and practice.
The Society also highlights the need for more robust and well-governed training structures, appropriate supervision, stronger governance, and adequate recruitment and resourcing across services. Without adequate workforce planning, additional funding and increased capacity across HSE children’s services, implementation will be challenging and, in many cases, not feasible.
Read the full press release.
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The PSI welcomes the signing of the Mental Health Act 2026 into law by President Catherine Connolly. Replacing the 2001 Act, this updated framework represents a significant shift toward a more modern, person-centred, and human rights-based approach to mental health care in Ireland.
We acknowledge the work of Minister Mary Butler TD in progressing this legislation and appreciate the opportunity to have contributed to its development. The PSI remains committed to supporting the implementation of this new framework and will continue to engage with Government and stakeholders to advocate for services that are accessible, evidence-informed, and responsive to the needs of all.
Read the full press release.
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Dr Katarina Timulakova, PSI Honorary Secretary, has been appointed as a member of the National Implementation and Monitoring Steering Committee (NIMC) for Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone (2020-2030) by the Minister for Mental Health and Government Chief Whip, Mary Butler TD.
The NIMC is collectively responsible for driving and overseeing the long-term implementation of the recommendations of the national mental health policy Sharing the Vision. Dr Timulakova's appointment will be for a period of three years.
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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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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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