Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2014
416. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he has examined the viability of introducing an audit trail or central register of methadone prescribed by general practitioners and doctors in drug treatment centres, and of methadone dispensed by all pharmacies in the State, to ensure that prescribed methadone is administered and provided only to intended users. [40011/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra417. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the alleged prevalence and wide availability of methadone on the black market, including the alleged availability of methadone provided to clients in drug treatment centres which is later sold on rather than being taken by the prescribed persons. [40012/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 416 and 417 together.
As the Deputy is aware, methadone is a Schedule 2 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 which means that strict prescription, recording and storage requirements apply. Further requirements are set out under the Misuse of Drugs (Supervision of Prescription and Supply of Methadone) Regulations 1998 made under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 reflecting the fact that it is most commonly used in treatment programmes for opiate dependency.
Responsibility for the provision of opioid substitution treatment, mainly methadone, rests with the Health Service Executive. All patients in receipt of methadone maintenance treatment are recorded on the HSE Central Treatment List, and treatment delivery is monitored in accordance with the Methadone Treatment Protocol. The aim of this Protocol is to manage the distribution of methadone and minimise the risk of diversion for onward sale.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly in relation to the specific issues raised by the Deputy.
