Vol. 455 No. 3
45 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to provide methadone on an emergency basis to those currently on waiting lists for treatment and who are not on a treatment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11641/95]
Limerick East): As the Deputy will be aware, the Eastern Health Board is engaged in expanding its range of services available for drug misusers. This will include the provision of additional satellite clinics, community drug teams and detoxification facilities. Plans are at an advanced stage for the opening of two clinics in the next few months. In addition the opening hours at the board's satellite clinics in Amiens Street and Ballyfermot have recently been extended to provide methadone maintenance for patients on the waiting list at these clinics. At present over 600 patients are on methadone maintenance treatment at the clinics.
In excess of 400 patients are now in receipt of methadone from general practitioners in the Dublin area and general practitioners will continue to be encouraged to participate in the treatment of drug misusers.
In view of the imminent expansion of facilities the Eastern Health Board does not propose the provision of methadone on an emergency basis.
