Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I will point out there is a significant budget. Out of some €5.7 million made available, only €1.77 million has been invested. Something should be clearly earmarked at this stage. Money is not being used. The money is there, but all the money in the world is useless if there is no availability of trained personnel. It is a matter that should be actioned immediately to try to get the number of trained clinicians needed.

Unfortunately, some people die from eating disorders every year. Some 200,000 people in Ireland are affected at any one time, more females than males, and there are some 400 new cases a year, which is quite substantial. If people are given the care, support and intervention they need early, it will avoid them becoming chronic cases. Some 6% of chronic cases die. While the numbers might be low, these are deaths that could be very easily avoided.

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