Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Leader may be aware that the week commencing 28 February to 6 March is to be Eating Disorder Week. I raised this issue previously in the House, and I know that it is one the Leader is very familiar with. Notwithstanding that the Government set aside significant amounts of money last year and this year, there is a considerable delay in rolling out appropriate services. I believe there are only three centres in the State that deal with eating disorders and offer the kinds of therapy that people need. There is one centre for adults and two for minors or those under the age of 18.It is a huge issue which has grown in terms of numbers and impact on young people during the pandemic. It would be appropriate if the Leader could schedule for the week commencing 28 February a debate in the House on eating disorders in general, look for a response from the Government and try to understand what more we can do to action those plans.

There are issues in recruitment across the HSE but it is not good enough to say moneys have been set aside and are in place, and then leave the operational piece to wither on the vine. Reports this week from the Department of Health suggest targets are not being met in other areas of the health service. This is an important issue. There are wonderful interventions which can impact positively on the lives of those suffering from an eating disorder, get them back on track and allow them to live their lives, no different to other illnesses, particularly those with a mental illness dimension.

It is an issue many people do not like or want to talk about, that is bedevilling our young people and that has grown through the pandemic for obvious reasons. It is one we should grapple with in this House.