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Pringle presses Government on funding for national eating disorder programme
- Updated: 30th May 2023
Independent TD for Donegal, Thomas Pringle, has pressed Government to reinstate funding for a national clinical programme for eating disorders.
Addressing the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “Eating disorder support services have reported a huge increase in demand post pandemic. At the end of last year, Bodywhys, the Eating Disorders Association of Ireland, reported that over a 12-month period, there had been a 55 per cent increase of those attending their services and a 125 per cent increase of those attending family support services.
“With eating disorders, early intervention is key in preventing the person from reaching a stage of hospitalisation and so these support services can oftentimes be a lifeline for those who need them.
“Despite this, recent developments confirm that there is an absence of funding for the HSE National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders for 2023, a programme that reported 435 referrals and 227 assessments in 2022 alone. By doing this, you are putting people with eating disorders in an incredibly dangerous position. People living with eating disorders need access to services to recover and to rebuild their lives.
“Will you intervene as a matter of urgency to reinstate funding for these vital services?” he asked.
The deputy raised the issue during questions on policy or legislation.
In her response, Minister Mary Butler said Government remains committed to enhancing specialist services for eating disorders, including improved access and shorter waiting lists. She said over the last four years more than €8 million has been made available for eating disorder posts. The minister said the national model of care aims to establish 16 teams in total and currently five teams are in place with three more being recruited, and recruitment is continuing.
