I am not sure if the Minister of State was in LH 2000 earlier for the lighting of the Christmas tree. It was a lovely event that kicks off the Christmas celebrations for many. Christmas offers a chance for families around the country to come together and reconnect. However, it can also be a time of additional emotional stress and pressure. I refer to the pressure of additional spending for those already struggling to make ends meet, the feeling of loss for families struggling with the death of loved one during the year gone by and the loneliness experienced by those who live on their own. For those with living with eating disorders and their families, the Christmas season can bring huge pressure. As we approach the holidays, we have to acknowledge that Christmas can present unique challenges for these people. Pressures around food, social gatherings and changes in routine always intensify during this period. While many look forward to celebrations that involve food and drink and the social expectation to get involved, having to do so puts those who are suffering in an uncomfortable spotlight. People with eating disorders can often feel more isolated than ever at Christmas. They can be more aware of their own feelings of inadequacy and the depression and worry associated with their disordered eating. As the Minister of State knows, eating disorders affect up to 5% of the population at some time in their lives. One of the challenges of supporting these people is that the supports they need cross the traditional divide between mental and physical supports and health services. I have met advocacy groups working in this area and have heard very strong testimonies from those who have experienced these conditions and their families, who have worked so hard around the clock to support them. Young people are particularly vulnerable at this time of year. When schools close, key protective structures in those schools disappear. Teachers and guidance counsellors often play a stabilising role in a student's life, an influence that is absent for weeks during the holidays. Routines matter for these people and when they are disrupted, additional challenges arise, intensifying distress and anxiety. I want to ask and examine how supports can be strengthened during this vulnerable period and if the Department of Health has considered issuing any specific guidance for families and individuals living and dealing with eating disorders over Christmas. Families need reassurance and practical advice. I want to acknowledge the excellent work done by Bodywhys, in particular their Coping at Christmas guide, which is a practical piece of work that offers strategies to those struggling to manage the stress associated with Christmas and to plan ahead.

Sentiment score: -0.04

I thank the Minister of State for her response, and I acknowledge the development and service development work that has gone into this in the past number of years. As she set out, we started from a very low base, but it is hugely positive that the service is being developed. It is important we recognise the challenges that many people face in our communities. Reduced service hours during the Christmas period has the potential of having a really negative effect and I really welcome the commitment from the HSE and the confirmation that teams will make direct arrangements and communicate. That is very positive. I appreciate that significant progress has been made through the national clinical programme. If these specialist services and structures are built, it is important they be available to people at those periods of heightened vulnerability like Christmas. Looking beyond Christmas, the review of the model of care for eating disorders will be crucial in improving how we respond to those challenges and I noted in a recent response to a parliamentary question that the bed capacity review is back from the HSE and is with the Department and the Minister of State. Can she give us any insight as to what that looks like? In-patient bed capacity is absolutely vital for dealing with all elements of these cases. It is an area that is complex, long misunderstood and that has been underinvested in and under-resourced. It is great to see resources going in. We must learn from those lessons coming through the national clinical programme and deliver evidence-based, dependable and well-co-ordinated services that support recovery from eating disorders at every stage in the life cycle. I thank the Minister of State for her work to date and urge her to prioritise clear communication, good strong solid community supports and renewed commitment to getting full implementation of a revised model of care once it is agreed.

Sentiment score: 0.46