3999. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Health if she will outline whether the inpatient bed capacity for adults with eating disorders report was published, the key findings of the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58519/26]

Early intervention is critical in the treatment of eating disorders which the Department has prioritised the funding of specialist regional community teams across both child and adult services.

The National Clinical Programme on Eating Disorders has progressed well with the total number of 16 eating disorder teams under the Model of Care now fully funded. This includes 11 teams 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. The majority of people with eating disorders can recover with outpatient treatment, while a smaller proportion require more intensive levels of care.

The report on Inpatient Bed Capacity for Adults with Eating Disorders and future eating disorder bed provision is a HSE report representing the output of a scoping exercise to measure service provision and future demand. It was received by officials in my Department for consideration last year, and recommendations of the report are currently being considered as part of the work of the HSE/Department of Health Working Group that has been tasked with developing a 10-Year Mental Health Capital Plan covering the period 2027–2037. The Plan is being developed on an evidence-informed basis, drawing on facility mapping, regional inputs, service requirements, regulatory obligations, Programme for Government commitments and national policy priorities.In accordance with the agreed Terms of Reference, the Plan will be structured across 3-year, 5-year and 10-year planning horizons, with the near-term phases identifying specific priority projects and investment requirements to be advanced, while the longer-term horizon will set out the strategic direction, capacity requirements, and future infrastructure needs for mental health services. Eating disorder bed provision falls within the remit of this group, and the HSE recommendations from the above mentioned report will be incorporated into this work.

Key recommendations of this scoping report include a recommendation for the provision of 22 dedicated adult beds to provide inpatient care for eating disorders, in addition to the existing 20 dedicated child and adolescent eating disorder beds. It is also recommended that inpatient care for adults with eating disorders be provided across three new Specialist Eating Disorder Inpatient Units; one in Dublin, one in the South West and one in the North West to ensure equitable geographical access.