Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 March 2026
564. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health her plans to institute a mandatory transition pathway from CAMHS to AMHS for patients with diagnosed eating disorders, given that many patients currently experience a lapse in care in moving between the services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18040/26]
View answer565. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of specialist WTE posts dealing with eating disorders are currently vacant across the HSE; where those posts located; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18041/26]
View answer566. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health her plans to expand existing services to tackle eating disorders, especially with a view to achieving an equitable regional distribution in service provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18042/26]
View answer567. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health her plans to review the 2018 Model of Care treating Eating Disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18043/26]
View answer568. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Health if she will collect comprehensive national data on patients presenting with eating disorders, including those at emergency departments and at GP clinics; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18044/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 564, 565, 566, 567 and 568 together.
The National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with the total number of 16 eating disorder teams under the Model of Care now fully funded. This includes 11 teams now operational and a further 5 teams in recruitment and development, as per the Model of Care. The HSE spends over €14 million on eating disorders services annually. 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). HSE data from the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders for 2025 shows increases in activity across referrals, assessments, diagnoses and access to treatment. In 2025, over 900 referrals were received, 600 assessments were completed, with a 13% increase in the number of people starting treatment for an eating disorder. 75% of patients were assessed within eight weeks. 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 now been included in the National Development Plan. In addition, as Minister I secured funding from Budget 2026 for two new eating disorder teams, a CAMHS team to serve the South east, and an Adult team to serve counties Galway and Roscommon. This will assist more people with an eating disorder requiring access to specialist eating disorder mental health services. As this relates to an operational issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
