Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for his question. We saw eating disorders grow exponentially during Covid, for example. This was especially the case among younger girls aged 14, 15 and 16. Last year, for example, the eating disorder clinical team worked with approximately 520 young people. Many of those were transferred back to a GP for further support. It is possible to recover from an eating disorder but it is a very difficult process and happens on a case-by-case basis. For some people, it can take up to seven years to recover. One of the challenges we encounter a lot is the transition of a young person who has been receiving the support of a dedicated team while aged under 18 to the adult services. This is an area we are really putting a focus on. It is the reason I am waiting on the plan from the HSE to develop eating disorder beds for adults across the country and to try to increase them organically. We have 64 approved centres round the country and there is absolutely no reason why there cannot be one or two beds with the correct wraparound supports. The support of a dietician here is extremely important.

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