Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Government remains firmly committed to enhancing specialist services for eating disorders, including improved access and shorter waiting lists. Over the last four years, more than €8 million has been made available for eating disorder posts. The national model of care aims to establish 16 teams in total. There are currently five teams in place and three more are being recruited. Recruitment continues, with 60% of whole-time equivalent positions filled. I say to anyone listening that funding is being provided this year. Funding has been provided for anybody who is in an inpatient or outpatient unit. Funding for Bodywhys has been provided. The current situation is that of the 96 staff members who need to be recruited, 60% are in place. When the rest of the staff are recruited, we will go back and recruit more. You cannot continue to fund posts when people cannot be recruited. We will continue. I reiterate, so that there is no doubt whatsoever, that money is available for any person with an eating disorder this year.

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