Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2014
410. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when physeptone-methadone was introduced as a treatment for opioid addiction here; the number of patients in receipt of physeptone-methadone who have since died; the number of patients in receipt of physeptone-methadone who have achieved a drug-free lifestyle; when clinical guidelines were introduced for physeptone-methadone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44181/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMethadone was introduced in Ireland during the 1970s as a standardised therapeutic approach for the treatment of those dependent on opiates and synthetic opiates. As responsibility for the provision of methadone maintenance treatment rests with the Health Service Executive, I have referred the Deputy's query to the HSE for direct reply.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
