Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the announcement by the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, of an additional €1.15 million for specialist eating disorder teams. However, due to years of underinvestment, it is an understatement to say this service falls far short of what is needed. No funding was allocated under the national eating disorder treatment plan in 2020, and of the €1.6 million allocated in 2019, not one cent was spent. There are just three impatient beds for eating disorders in the entire country, all of which are in Dublin. People with severe eating disorders are forced to travel to the UK for treatment. Yesterday, I was contacted by a deeply concerned family member of an adolescent with severe anorexia who cannot get the treatment she needs publicly or privately here. What assurances will the Minister give this family and so many others who have been in contact with my office that they will get the care they need? It is disgraceful that we have only three impatient beds.

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