Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I put it to the Tánaiste that 27% of those who are hospitalised for eating disorders, which is the deadliest mental illness, were in hospitals with no eating disorder trained staff and 83% had no access to a therapist or a psychiatrist after their discharge. Is it any wonder that 41% would be re-admitted for the same problem within two years?

Last week we heard from a number of speakers who painted the devastating picture of the black spots of access with 85% having difficulties. I know the Tánaiste knows this. County Clare is one of the 15 black spots. We need consistent and adequate funding but we also need transparency around the development of inpatient beds.

I commend Ciara Greene, who celebrates her 35th birthday this Saturday. She has spent the last 25 years struggling with this in the mid-west. An eating disorder is not a choice but providing appropriate services is.

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