The specific information requested by the Deputy on waiting lists for methadone treatment for areas outside Dublin is not routinely collected by my Department. I have asked the Health Service Executive to collate the requested information and to send it to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
I am, however, informed that at the end of August 2006 there were 224 doctors prescribing methadone nationwide. Of this number 180 operate within the HSE Eastern Region and 44 operate outside this region.
I am further informed that at the end of June 2006 there were 195 people on the methadone waiting list in the HSE Eastern Region compared to 222 people on the waiting list for the same period in 2005. This equates to a 12% decrease in people awaiting methadone treatment in the 12 month period. Furthermore, the number of people in treatment during the same period increased by 375 from 7,561 to 7,936.
I am aware that the problem of heroin use has spread to regions outside the Greater Dublin Area. In that regard I recognise the importance of expanding appropriate services in these areas in partnership with General Practitioners.