Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)

I thank Deputy Mitchell O'Connor for raising this important issue and I share her concerns. I am responding on behalf of my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, who has responsibility for mental health issues. The Internet is an international and worldwide phenomenon. It has no borders and no single organisation controlling it. Therefore, efforts to combat harmful material and activities on it can be hampered by the multiplicity of jurisdictions, differing legal systems and differing societal norms.

In this instance, many of the pro-eating disorder websites which the Deputy refers to may be hosted outside this jurisdiction, principally in the United States. As such, they are subject to the US jurisdiction, the free speech provisions of the US Constitution apply and the action that could be taken against them here is limited. While acknowledging these difficulties, there is a self-regulatory framework in place for Internet service providers in Ireland. The Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland code of practice and ethics sets out clear guidelines and minimum standards in respect of dealing with complaints regarding suspected illegal material online.

Although treatment services was not the primary issue raised, a special allocation of €35 million was provided for mental health in budget 2012 in line with the programme for Government commitments, part of which will support the treatment of eating disorders. The €35 million funding will primarily be used to strengthen community mental health teams in both adult and children's mental health services. Over 400 additional staff will be recruited to support initiatives under this package. It is intended that the additional resources will be rolled out in conjunction with the scheme of appropriate clinical care programmes currently being developed. Three areas will be prioritised this year, one of which will be the treatment and care of patients with eating disorders.

HSE services for people with eating disorders are embedded in the community mental health service and with primary care. Individuals with eating disorders frequently present to the primary care practitioner with complications of their condition and early intervention at this level greatly improves outcomes. The HSE has developed a mental health in primary care accredited training programme for primary care practitioners with Dublin City University with a view to enhancing the capacity of primary care to recognise, assess and treat a range of mental illnesses, including eating disorders, within the primary care setting.

The HSE also provides funding to Bodywhys, the national voluntary organisation supporting those with eating disorders to which Deputy Mitchell O'Connor referred. Bodywhys provides a range of support services for people affected including specific services for families and friends. Bodywhys also works closely with the health promotion units throughout the HSE. I can assure the House on behalf of my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Lynch, that the management and care of eating disorders and mental health services generally will continue to be a priority for this Government. I will pass on the Deputy's concerns about the Internet and access to information.

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