James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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135. To ask the Minister for Health the advice available to general practitioners who have detected early signs of suffering from eating disorders in persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10444/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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All doctors on the Medical Council's register, including GPs, are required to maintain professional competence by enrolling in professional competence schemes and engaging in maintenance of professional competence activities in relation to their practice. In this context, the Council has established a range of professional competence schemes through formal arrangements with the recognised postgraduate training bodies. Schemes are operated by the postgraduate training bodies and have been developed to drive good professional practice, which is centred on patient safety and quality of patient care.

The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) is the recognised professional body for general practice and is responsible for post graduate specialist medical education, training and research in the specialty of general practice. The ICGP curriculum for GP training covers competencies relating to the care management of eating disorders under both adolescent health and mental health. GPs in practice have access to ICGP educational resources, publications and seminars in this area of healthcare management.

In addition, Bodywhys, the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, has published a guide to assist GPs in the identification, assessment and management of patients with eating disorders.

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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136. To ask the Minister for Health the status of a national centre for eating disorders within a children’s hospital here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10445/18]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.