Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, I raised the issue of the chronic overcrowding at the accident and emergency department in UHL and the implications that has for the wider community in the mid-west. While the situation clearly has not changed since then, it would be remiss of me not to raise some of the other concerns that exist within that hospital structure and within the hospital's region.

Over the weekend, as I do regularly, I had the opportunity to meet a group of parents who are really concerned about the lack of services for young people, children and adolescents who have what can only be described as mental health issues that broadly come under the eating disorder area. Unfortunately, the mid-west has no dedicated unit to address what is a growing issue for young people. We all know that regardless of the condition, particularly regarding mental health issues, early intervention is an important aspect of treating the condition.

Unfortunately, the mid-west does not have appropriately trained professionals in that area and does not have a designated or dedicated unit. Somebody presenting with an eating disorder at the extreme end finds themselves in the acute mental health unit, which is quite broad-based and does not have the specialist training. I am hearing that the staff are inappropriately trained and do not have the skill sets needed. Parents who can afford treatment overseas are able to travel to the UK and get that level of intervention. That is no way to address the situation. The Minister needs to come before the House. I ask the acting Leader to try to arrange a debate on broader mental health issues for younger people and adolescents with a specific focus on those with an eating disorder.