Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2026
142. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health if her Department has engaged with the Department of Education and Youth regarding the development or delivery of education programmes in schools aimed at raising awareness of eating disorders; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28509/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe implementation of the National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well over recent years, with the total number of 16 eating disorder teams under the Model of Care now fully funded. This includes 11 teams which 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.
As Minister, I am aware that having the right level of support and education regarding this condition is crucial for young people and their families.
BodyWhys, the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, is a partner of the National Clinical Programme, and there is a very strong working partnership to ensure person centered supports are available to those with eating disorders. The HSE provides annual funding to Bodywhys of approximately €664,000, to support their range of services including helpline and email support, support groups, and outreach and educational work.
This includes the ‘Happy to Be Me’ programme for primary schools, and the recently launched ‘Inside Out’, an evidence-based programme for secondary schools to improve body image and wellbeing. Bodywhys reach over 10,000 young people each year through their school talks, workshops and youth events. All resources are developed in collaboration with teachers and young people.
The HSE also funds spunout to provide information to young people on all mental health issues, including eating disorders. Their recently launched 'Navigator' tool helps young people aged 14-34 to better understand and seek support for their mental health. The tool was designed by young people, for young people and has been used by over 50,000 young people since its launch last June.
Separately, the Department of Education and Youth funds 'Neart' a programme in all secondary schools run by Jigsaw to promote positive mental health and support each school community to intervene early where mental health issues arise for students.
My Department continually engages with the Department of Education and Youth and the National Educational Psychology Service (NEPS) on a range of shared policy areas with regard to the health and welfare of young people, and the Department of Education and Youth sit on the Inter-Departmental Steering Group on Mental Health, chaired by the Department of Health.
