Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

Like other Senators, I welcome this type of debate where the discussion is followed by a question and answer session with the Minister. I am sick and tired of asking on the Order of Business about services for eating disorder sufferers and I am sure Members are fed up listening to me calling for a debate. It is not the Minister's fault that this urgently required debate has not taken place. I am sure I speak for all Senators in saying we would be pleased to have the Minister return to the Chamber for a debate on eating disorder services that would take the same format as today's discussion. I have often said in this House that an eating disorder is a matter of life and death for the sufferers and their families. I and other Members have met such people and it is heart-rending to hear their stories. They are effectively going around blindfolded and with their hands tied behind their backs because there are only six adolescent public beds and 12 private beds between St. John of God Hospital and St. Patrick's.

It is not a large lobby group but the work being done behind the scenes by Bodywhys is incredible. It is the most dignified lobbying organisation I have met. Its members do not have much money and do not have loud voices but their hearts certainly are in the right place. They have been very patient as their hopes of receiving support have been disappointed time and again. Will the Minister agree to take part in a debate on this issue?

In regard to the pharmacy dispute, I have been contacted by only one member of the public but by several pharmacists. There is undoubtedly misinformation abroad and people feel vulnerable and fearful. I ask the Minister to clarify the pharmacists' claim that in dispensing a box of insulin, they are now down €8 on the price charged them by the wholesaler. I disputed that figure but one pharmacist offered to send me the invoice from the wholesaler and the documentation showing the corresponding amount he has received from the Health Service Executive.