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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Eating disorder inpatient care

Summary

Deputy Smith raised the urgent need for inpatient specialist services for a 13-year-old in Tallaght Hospital awaiting placement at Linn Dara. The Tánaiste expressed sympathy, said funding has been set aside to improve eating disorder services, and promised a detailed note from Health.

I wish to raise the issue of inpatient services for young people with eating disorders who are in crisis mental health situations. Grace, who is 13 years of age, has been in Tallaght Hospital since 6 January with an eating disorder. She is currently being fed through a tube and her mental health is deteriorating. Tallaght Hospital has said she needs the specialist care of the Linn Dara facility in Cherry Orchard. Unfortunately, the waiting list means she will not be there until May at the earliest, which is three months from now. What are the Government's plans for increasing capacity in our services for people with acute eating disorders and in mental health crises?

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Leo Varadkar The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I am very sorry to hear about that situation. The Government has plans, and has put aside additional funding, to improve services for people who suffer from eating disorders. I will arrange for a detailed note on that to be sent to the Deputy from the Department of Health.

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