Annie Hoey (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I would like to circle back to eating disorders and the role the hospital will play. There has been a major discussion on whether there should be specialised beds, a hospital or beds in locations across the country. Do the witnesses have a particular thought on that? What role can the children's hospital play? We have spoken to the parents and families of those affected and there is a deep frustration that no specialised beds are ring-fenced for this difficult disorder. There is back and forth about whether there should be specialised beds regionally or a single location. I would like to hear the thoughts of the witnesses on that.

A 66% increase between 2019 and 2020 was mentioned, which is an astonishing and terrifying figure. It is frightening. The wider public does not have a realisation of how significant it is. I hope this will be resolved when the children's hospital opens, but the current lack of resources for children who have eating disorders, along with additional needs, is having an impact. How that will be dealt with down the line in the national children's hospital?