Dr. Grace O'Malley:

Securing posts has been an issue. There also may be an issue with the level of interest by health professionals as the condition is relatively new. We did not see the condition in paediatrics in the past ten or 15 years. It takes time for professionals to develop an interest in a certain sector. Demand is also an issue. There are larger populations in Dublin or Cork. As 6% of the national population are affected then only a small group of children, who are severely obese, will need this type of treatment. The bulk of treatment and prevention must happen in community care. In order to develop specialised management one needs numbers. Like any centre of excellence around the country, one cannot develop experience without a throughput of patients.