Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
919. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health for an update on the rollout of the national clinical programme for eating disorders; the number of multidisciplinary teams currently operational; the timeline for the full implementation of the 16 teams envisaged under the model of care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66016/25]
View answer920. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health for an update on the review of the model of care for eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66017/25]
View answer921. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health the number of adults and children currently waiting for eating disorder treatment services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [66018/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 919 to 921, inclusive, together.
The National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with 14 of the 16 teams envisaged by the Model of Care funded as of 2025, with a further two having been allocated funding under Budget 2026. 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, two additional eating disorders team are expected to be operational before the end of year.
Our 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, after which the Model of Care will be reviewed by the HSE.a
More recently, the HSE have now completed a report on inpatient eating bed disorder bed capacity required for the future. This report has been received by my Department for further consideration for alignment with the HSE’s National Capital Plan.
Enhancing Eating Disorder services is a priority for me as Minister, and I secured funding from Budget 2026 for two new additional eating disorder teams. This will assist more people with an eating disorder requiring access to specialist eating disorder mental health services.
With reference to the specific information requested on the National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders as this is an operational issue, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
