As of 31 July 2010 there were a total of 464 people on methadone waiting lists, none of whom were under 18 years of age, and a total of 64 HSE clinics providing methadone treatment nationwide. The total number of people on methadone at the end of July was 9,204. 5,344 people were receiving treatment in HSE clinics, 3,307 people were receiving community based treatment through General Practitioners and a further 553 people were being treated in prisons.
The HSE has prioritised the provision of additional methadone clinics in targeted areas to reduce waiting lists and waiting times. In 2009 and 2010 the HSE provided 2 additional methadone services in Cork City. This reduced the waiting list from 83 people in September 2009 to 14 people at the end of July 2010 and brought waiting times to within a month. Additional services are currently being developed around the country, for example in Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Tralee, Limerick City, Drogheda and Dundalk. Premises for these clinics have been identified and services will be in place before the end of this year. The HSE also plans to provide 2 additional methadone clinics in the Midlands region.