I am aware of ongoing problems in regard to numbers presenting with prescriptions for methadone in the area mentioned by the Deputy.
My Department set up a methadone treatment service review group in January 1997. Its brief was to assess the use of methadone in the treatment of opiate dependence. The group's report examines the protocols for good practice in the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and points to appropriate controls which might be put in place. It also sets out the basis on which methadone treatment should continue to be developed and recommends a concise framework for the future operation of the scheme.
The report specifically includes recommendations that general practitioners and pharmacies should, wherever possible, dispense methadone to patients from the immediate locality.
A copy of the report has been sent to every general practitioner and pharmacist in the county. The Eastern Health Board is actively recruiting additional general practitioners and pharmacists in each community in Dublin affected by the heroin problem and my officials are in continuous contact with the board regarding drug treatment service developments in the Dublin 8 area. So far, satellite clinics have been established at Fatima Mansions, Dolphin House and Merchants Quay.
As new doctors and pharmacists come into the methadone scheme, it is expected that this will reduce the number of drug misusers who visit any individual general practitioner's surgery or pharmacy and thus relieve the problems associated with high numbers.
Only one type of methadone will be available under the terms of the scheme. Under these terms any person in receipt of methadone must be registered with the central treatment list, must have a treatment card with a named general practitioner and a named pharmacy and may only receive methadone from that pharmacy. This will lead to restricted numbers attending pharmacies participating in the scheme and should lead to a reduction in social problems associated with large numbers of drug misusers attending one location.