Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge that the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, contacted me to apologise for not attending and to assure me of her commitment to this issue.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Ossian Smyth, for his response. It is good to hear that three more teams will be established this year. That is important because the longer a habit is established, the more it takes on a life of its own. Young people are finding their lives being taken over by this difficult disease. As such, early intervention is very important.

I agree with a model that provides care in the community. If we can deal with eating disorders in the community prior to someone needing a hospital bed, it will be important. That there are no emergency services in paediatric psychiatry is wrong, though, and must change.

This is an ongoing issue, but I appreciate the Minister of State's commitment and presence today.