Vol. 462 No. 5
94 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Health his views on whether a central register of methadone addicts should be initiated in order to address the black marketeering of this heroin substitute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4831/96]
Limerick East): As the Deputy is aware, the Eastern Health Board is responsible for the provision of services for drug misusers in the first instance.
The 1993 Protocol for prescribing methadone recommended that a list of patients on methadone maintenance be maintained and operated. This recommendation has now been implemented and a central register exists. The register contains details of each individual on methadone maintenance in drug treatment centres. Persons who are being prescribed methadone by their GPs and who are notified to the register are also on this central list.
The question of the supply of methadone in the context of the problem mentioned by the Deputy has recently been discussed in detail with the board and arrangements to prevent the illicit supply of methadone are being developed.
