Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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2260. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children hospitalised for eating disorders in 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025. [45376/25]

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.

More recently, my Department has recently received a plan from the HSE regarding future eating disorder bed provision which is under consideration by the Department. In relation to the Model of Care review, the HSE have confirmed its current focus is on completing and implementing the existing Model of Care and supporting the rollout of additional teams. Once this is complete, an evaluation will be undertaken by the HSE, after which the Model of Care will be reviewed in due course.

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