Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Anyone who watched the RTÉ documentary "Anorexia, My Family and Me" will have seen the devastating impact of eating disorders. There has been a terrifying rise in eating disorders in this country, and it requires a lot more attention than it is being given. In Donegal, 17 young people in child and adolescent mental health services were being treated for eating disorders in 2020. That number rose significantly to 47 in 2021, and 41 people were being treated in June of last year. This number reflects only those who come forward with their illness and actually manage to get a referral. Many more are unable to get as far as receiving treatment. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has said that the number of people suffering from eating disorders has soared from 60 to 500 in recent years, so why are we so slow to act and get people the treatment they need? Early intervention is key in preventing people from reaching the stage of hospitalisation. Support services can oftentimes be a lifeline to those who use them. We are in desperate need of a review of the model of care for eating disorders. When does the Government plan on delivering this?

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