The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available since prescriptions for methadone can be prescribed on the general medical services scheme or by private prescription and to ascertain this information would require an examination of the records of every pharmacy in Dublin and elsewhere. Information is, however, available on pharmacies dispensing methadone in accordance with the protocol for prescribing methadone and the number involved is 58.
I have approved of the recommendations of a review group on methadone treatment services. One of the key recommendations made by the group is that methadone should only be prescribed on a special prescription form. This would allow for the monitoring of all prescriptions for methadone. My Department is currently in the process of implementing the group's recommendations in consultation with the Eastern Health
Board and the appropriate professional bodies. A pharmacist is required to dispense a legally completed prescription and the decision as to whether a patient should be required to have his or her methadone dispensed on a daily basis is a clinical decision by the patient's doctor and is not at the discretion of the pharmacist concerned.
I note the Deputy's comments about alleged active trading in the vicinity of the premises in question and I am referring the matter to my colleague, the Minister for Justice, to consider whether the Garda might be asked to investigate.
