Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I also thank you, a Leas Chathaoirligh, and the Cathaoirleach, for your courtesy, patience and generosity of time to every Member in the Chamber in the past five years. I wish the best of luck to those seeking re-election. To the Members who are retiring I convey every good wish.

I wish to raise a matter that has become an old chestnut with me. In saying this I look across at Senators O'Meara and Henry, who have also raised the issue on many occasions. It is very apt as it has been in the news in recent days. I refer to anorexia nervosa, especially in children and young teenagers. While I did not hear the Gerry Ryan show yesterday, I believe the most harrowing story was told by the mother of a nine-year-old boy. It is an illness we normally associate with girls and young women. However, this boy is suicidal and the only bed he can get is in Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. The two paediatric beds in Crumlin are occupied by a boy and a girl, both under ten. There is nowhere in Ireland for this young boy to go. Before we broke for the general election I sought a debate on the matter. I may not be fortunate enough to return to the House but I hope this issue will be put on the agenda for the new term and debated at length. While more ring-fenced beds are needed, the debate needs to be widened in order that young people are educated. Children in fourth and fifth classes need to know that thin is not beautiful. An article in The Irish Times yesterday, entitled "Trapped by the Cult of Thin", referred to a survey which highlighted that the obsession with image of teenage girls is at crisis level. They are all being brainwashed to believe that thinner is more beautiful. Sadly, we as adults know that is not true but try getting that through the mind of a young girl. We regularly debate the education of young people about drugs and alcohol but this issue will become an even greater menace. Hopefully, if I am re-elected, I can look forward to participating in that debate.