Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for the question. I was expecting Deputy Clarke.

Eating disorders are complex and individual and can be one of the most serious mental health issues. The national clinical programme on eating disorders is progressing well with 14 of the 16 teams envisaged by the model of care now funded and approximately 100 dedicated eating disorder clinicians working in teams across the country. Approximately 90% of people with eating disorders are treated in the community. Enhancement of eating disorder services is a key priority for me and I have stated my intention to secure funding for the remaining teams in the next budget.

In response to the Deputy's question on inpatient admissions, eating disorders affect a relatively young section of the population and younger people can access 20 dedicated eating disorder beds across the four CAMHS inpatient units.

As of the most recent update available, the waiting list nationally to access beds in CAMHS units, for those aged 18 and under, due to eating disorders was two as of 6 May. For adults, the HSE currently works to meet people’s needs through the provision of general adult mental health beds, by procuring private capacity on a case-by-case basis and through the three specialist eating disorder beds at St. Vincent’s Hospital. As of yesterday evening, no one was waiting to access the beds at St. Vincent's.

A review of adult bed capacity for specialist eating disorder beds is currently under way and the national clinical programme is developing a plan with a geographic spread based on this review. I met with the HSE about eight weeks ago regarding a plan to increase bed numbers organically. We are keen to have a geographical spread of these beds. I expect to receive this plan from the HSE next month. It was promised that I would have it by the end of June.

See this speech in context