Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
749. Deputy Conor Sheehan asked the Minister for Health when the five CAHMS eating disorder teams that are funded but not operational will be in place and operational; the locations in which they will operate; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47307/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with the total number of 16 eating disorder teams under the Model of Care now funded. This includes 11 teams now operational and a further 5 teams in recruitment and development, as per the Model of Care. The HSE now 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.
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.
My Department and the HSE are working to develop 22 dedicated adult beds to provide inpatient care for eating disorders, in addition to the existing 20 dedicated child and adolescent eating disorder beds.
The development of the 22 dedicated adults beds will be progressed under the governance structures of the forthcoming 10-year capital plan for mental health services, supported by funding from the National Development Plan 2026-2030. The HSE is aiming to have these beds coming on stream by 2030.
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 PQ relates to an operational issue, it has been forwarded to the HSE for direct reply to you.
