Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I raise the issue of inpatient beds for mental health services, in particular, for people who are suffering from anorexia nervosa. We have learned by way of the reply to a parliamentary question tabled by the leader of the Fianna Fáil Party, Deputy Micheál Martin, that the State provides a mere three specialist beds at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin for adults with this condition and that there are no dedicated child and mental health services, CAMHS, beds for those with eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa is a disease with a shockingly high mortality rate of 20%. Families throughout the country are crying out for inpatient beds for their children and young adults. I brought a case to the attention of the Minister and provided him with a myriad of general practitioner reports recommending urgent inpatient treatment for the individual in question, but, to date, treatment has not been made available. While the individual in question has spent a number of periods in St. James's Hospital receiving acute treatment, this does not address the underlying issue or provide a long-term remedy in treating the illness.

Over the weekend we saw great work being done by the emergency services. Many doctors also did stellar work on the ground on some of the coldest nights to ensure homeless persons were brought in from the cold. I noted two specific cases involving homeless persons being committed to hospital. Although I struggle with the concept of committal, I accept and understand doctors on the ground acted professionally and responsibly. Through their hard work, for which I commend them, two people did not remain outside in the cold overnight when they might have died. If inpatient beds can be provided in such circumstances, it must be possible to provide inpatient beds for persons with anorexia nervosa whose families are crying out for beds for them. Unfortunately, the disease primarily affects women. I have copies of multiple reports from a general practitioner which support the case for providing an inpatient bed for the individual in question, yet none has been made available.

I congratulate the emergency services - members of An Garda Síochána, the fire service, the ambulance service and the Irish Red Cross - as well as staff in the homeless agencies, farmers, local authority staff who cleared roads, the ESB, gas services and the many groups which came up trumps for us during the storm over the weekend. I also welcome the decision of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Deputy Regina Doherty, to double the fuel allowance paid last week. Fuel poverty is among the toughest hardships experienced by people on the margins. On my walkabouts I am constantly greeted by people at their door, especially on cold winter nights, who are wrapped up in layers of clothing and wearing gloves. Many are ready to go to bed at 6 p.m. because they do not want to waste money on fuel for the evening. Sadly, this sight is all too common. While Members take a warm house for granted, many others do not. The increase in the fuel allowance was welcome, but we must do more to eradicate fuel poverty and ensure that, rather than worrying about substantial fuel bills, elderly people will be comfortable in their homes in their time of need.