Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when there will be an increase in dedicated in-patient beds for people with eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9315/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled "A Vision for Change", which was launched in January 2006, provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over a 7 to 10 year period. "A Vision for Change" acknowledges gaps in the current provision of services for people with eating disorders and makes several recommendations for the further improvement of these services.

€750,000 was allocated in 2007 for the development of designated eating disorder services. This includes €500,000 to enhance the service in the Elm Mount Unit at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin. The balance of €250,000 was allocated to HSE South to commence the development of an eating disorder service.

St Vincent's Hospital provides a referral service for public patients with eating disorders and has three dedicated national public beds for the assessment of such patients. Some HSE areas have placed public patients with eating disorders in St Patrick's Hospital and St John of God's private facilities when required. In a limited number of cases, consultants make referrals to other specialised eating disorder private services in Dublin or the UK.