Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 February 2026
991. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of specialist eating disorder teams currently operational under the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders; the location of each team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7568/26]
View answer992. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the total funding allocated to the implementation of the Model of Care for Eating Disorders since its launch in 2018; the amount expended to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7569/26]
View answer993. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the current average waiting times for access to specialist eating disorder services in each community healthcare organisation area, including CHO8 which covers County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7570/26]
View answer994. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of dedicated inpatient beds available for the treatment of eating disorders in the State; if plans are in place to increase this number; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7571/26]
View answer996. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the details of early intervention programmes for eating disorders currently available; if such programmes are accessible to residents of County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7573/26]
View answer997. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the supports provided to families and carers of individuals with eating disorders; if additional resources are planned for family support services in regions such as County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7574/26]
View answer998. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the most recent data on the prevalence of eating disorders in County Offaly compared to the national average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7575/26]
View answer999. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the plans to enhance eating disorder treatment services in the midlands region, including County Offaly; the timeline for any such enhancements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7576/26]
View answer1000. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the measures in place to address disparities in access to eating disorder services between urban and rural areas, with specific reference to County Offaly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7577/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 991, 992, 993, 994, 996, 997, 998, 999 and 1000 together.
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.
A further €2.3 million in new funding is allocated 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, and the Department continues to work with the HSE to plan for the additional bed capacity we will be delivering.
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.
