Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
1130. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health to provide a timeline for the completion of further adult inpatient beds for eating disorder treatment; and the reasoning for the projected timeframe for providing these beds. [6471/26]
View answer1131. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health her plans to increase adult specialist services in the community for eating disorder treatment; and if her Department are working to have adult specialist services in place in Limerick alongside the new CAMHS unit, as the average age of eating disorder patients is 17. [6472/26]
View answer1132. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the total number of people who have sought treatment abroad for eating disorder care; and where this information is collected from. [6473/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1130, 1131 and 1132 together.
As Minister I have prioritised recurring investment in services for eating disorders, with almost €75 million invested since 2016, and over 110 specialist clinicians recruited to the National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders. This has enabled the establishment of 11 consultant-led specialist teams, with a further three teams currently in recruitment.
I have allocated a further €2.3 million in new funding for two additional teams in 2026, bringing annually recurring investment to €14.2 million.
As a result, access to eating disorder services is increasing, with 25% more assessments conducted in 2024 compared to 2023 (562 vs 449), with 2025 data to be available shortly.
Adult bed capacity is an important element of the Model of Care, and the HSE report on inpatient bed capacity required for eating disorders was received by my Department for consideration in July 2025. Accordingly the recommendations for enhanced bed capacity for eating disorders has been included in the National Development Plan Health Sector allocation, and the Department is working with the HSE to progress the additional bed capacity as quickly as possible.
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.
