Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for putting the spotlight on this very important issue. From my perspective as Minister, in the last three or four weeks I had a very good meeting with Bodywhys, the eating disorders organisation. We had a very important conversation about how we prepare our services and colleges for students returning to campus.

We will come to questions about that shortly. We have seen a very significant increase in mental health challenges, anxiety, stress and, no doubt, eating disorders as a result of the pandemic. We need to make sure there are additional supports in place for our students, as well as signposting for those supports, as they begin the new academic year. I am working with Bodywhys to identify how best to do that. I just wanted to mention that, given the issue the Deputy has highlighted today.

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