Mary O'Rourke
Question:110 Mrs. O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case put forward for funding by the Irish Eating Disorders Association; and if he will make an allocation in the matter. [11520/96]
Written Answers. - Irish Eating Disorders Association.
Limerick East): I am not aware of a request by the Irish Eating Disorders Association for funding from my Department.
However, the health boards are responsible for the delivery of health services in their functional areas, including the provision of care to persons presenting with eating disorders. Where in-patient treatment is deemed necessary, it is provided in the acute psychiatric unit or hospital, beds being allocated on the basis of patient need at any particular time. In addition, a tertiary referral service for eating disorders is available in St. Vincent's Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin, St. Patrick's Hospital, Dublin and at St. John of God's, Dublin. Out-patient services are provided from a network of hospitals, health centres, day hospitals, day centres and training facilities.
I am also concerned at preventing these conditions arising in the first instance. The health promotion unit of my Department is actively involved with the Department of Education in the promotion of healthy nutrition in schools and in programmes which foster self-esteem and positive body-awareness.