Vol. 487 No. 7
228 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health and Children if arrangements will be made in order that pharmacies dispensing methadone can facilitate the taking of the methadone on the premises to avoid possible abuses. [5140/98]
As the Deputy is aware a methadone treatment services review group was set up by my Department in January 1997. Its brief was to assess the use of methadone in the treatment of optiate 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 has been circulated nation-wide to every general practitioner and pharmacist.
One of the recommendations of the report is that supervised administration of methadone be available where a general practitioner feels the need for this. This facility is being put in place, as the Deputy points out, to avoid possible abuses by clients. As set out in the report information on the handling of methadone and on supervised consumption will issue to pharmacists to ensure the smooth running of this element of the scheme. As the scheme develops it is intended that the liaison pharmacists employed by the Eastern Health Board will link with the board in making arrangements with each pharmacy, as required, to facilitate a supervised consumption service.
