Aoife Brinkley, a senior clinical psychologist at the child obesity service at Temple Street Children’s University Hospital, said seven out of ten children at the clinic reported bullying, with one tenth self-harming as a result, and suffering with depression and anxiety disorders.

Little Izzy O’Connell from Cork was all lit up yesterday evening as she switched on the Temple Street Children’s Hospital lights – with a little help from Santa.

Some 40% of children seen at the obesity clinic in Temple Street Children’s Hospital displayed withdrawn behaviour and psychological difficulties.