Naoise Ó Muirí
Question:292. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health for an update on the review of the model of care for the treatment of eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13193/26]
View answerWednesday, 18 February 2026
Questions (292)
Written answers
The National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with 16 of the 16 teams envisaged by the Model of Care now funded. The HSE spends over €14 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).
Over 110 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).
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.
The HSE report on inpatient bed capacity required for eating disorders was forwarded to my Department for consideration in July 2025. Accordingly the recommendations for enhanced bed capacity for eating disorders have been included in the National Development Plan.