Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Jun 1999

Vol. 505 No. 6

Written Answers. - Central Treatment List.

Frances Fitzgerald

Ceist:

173 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of methadone users attending drug clinics in the Dublin area; the number of general practitioners in the Dublin area currently involved in this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14541/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

At 30 April 1999 there was a total of 3,742 people registered on the central treatment list and in receipt of methadone treatment in the Eastern Health Board area. Of this number 2,731 were attending drug treatment clinics, while 1,011 were under the care of general practitioners. Some 110 general practitioners were involved in the methadone scheme in the Dublin area on that date.

The number of people in treatment continues to grow as services expand. During 1998, 19 new treatment locations were established and 715 new treatment places became available. General practitioners and pharmacists continue to be recruited so that drug misusers may be treated in their own local area.