Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 October 2025
353. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that is allocated in 2026 to the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders; and whether this includes new service development sites or expansion of existing teams. [56245/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with 14 of the 16 teams envisaged by the Model of Care now funded. The HSE currently 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, there will be two new eating disorder teams operational by the end of this year. These comprise of an adult team in the Midlands, and a CAMHS team in the Mid-West.
I secured funding in Budget 2026 for two additional eating disorders teams, to ensure that more people experiencing an eating disorder will have access to the specialist care they need.
As occurs each year following the Budget, discussions will now take place with the HSE on details relating to specific service initiatives including the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders in the context of preparing the HSE Service Plan 2025, including that for Mental Health.
