Jim Higgins
Question:216 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has reviewed the methadone treatment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24476/00]
Written Answers. - Drug Treatment Services.
An independent evaluation of the drug services provided by the Eastern Health Board, now Eastern Regional Health Authority, was carried out in 1999 by Dr. Michael Farrell, of the National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry in London. His report which was published in January 2000 indicated that methadone maintenance is one of the most widely evaluated treatments for opioid dependence worldwide. Internationally, there is a well established research and a clinical evidence base for substitution treatment with methadone. In general, methadone maintenance is associated with lower rates of heroin consumption, reduced levels of crime and improved social functioning. A lower risk of premature mortality among maintained patients has been reported and substitution programmes have also contributed to the prevention of the spread of HIV infection.
Dr. Farrell's report also found that a number of satellite clinics in the eastern region informally reported rates of 40% plus of those on methadone returning to work. Although it is acknowledged that this may partly be due to the current work climate which exists in Dublin it also states that this high percentage is very striking as evidence of successful social habilitation or rehabilitation.
Dr. Farrell concluded that there has been a remarkable degree of activity and expansion within the services in the region over the past four to five years. This expansion has lead to Ireland having one of the more innovative community drug service programmes in Europe. Dr. Farrell made a number of recommendations which the Eastern Regional Health Authority is now endeavouring to implement.
Billy Timmins
Question:217 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has considered the contents of a report entitled Drug-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs in Ireland, published by the Health Research Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24474/00]
I welcome the publication of the report by the drug misuse research division of the Health Research Board entitled Drug-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs in Ireland. The contents and recommendations of this report are currently being considered by officials in my Department. The recommendations will guide the development of the Department's strategies and policies aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of both legal and illegal drug misuse.
Question No. 218 taken with Question No. 9.