Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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706. To ask the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing 20 additional eating disorder inpatient beds and community based services. [35428/25]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with 14 of the 16 teams envisaged by the Model of Care now funded.

The HSE spends over €9 million on eating disorders services annually. As a result, access to eating disorder services is increasing, with 25% more assessments conducted in 2024 compared to 2023 (562 vs 449). Approximately 100 dedicated eating disorder clinicians from the National Clinical Programme are now working on the teams across the country, treating people with eating disorders every day. Enhancement for specialist mental health services including eating disorders is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole, and the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Under funding secured for Budget 2025, there will be two new eating disorder teams operational by the end of this year. These comprise of an adult team in the Midlands, and a CAMHS team in the Mid-West.

The review of the Model of Care for Eating Disorders is taking place on a phased basis. As Minister , I expect to receive a plan from the HSE regarding future eating disorder bed provision before the end of June. The second phase of the planned review of the Model of Care for Eating Disorders will focus on the operation of the Eating Disorder Teams. It will be commenced in due course. The outcomes of this review will inform the eating disorder service staffing requirements from 2025.

With reference to the specific information requested on the costs of eating disorder beds as this is an operational issue, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.