Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2015
43. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the standard operating procedures on dispensing methadone in Garda stations; if he will provide, in tabular form, the amount of methadone dispensed in Garda stations; and the number of drug-related deaths recorded, in the years 2012 to 2014 and in 2015 to date. [14635/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe latest annual figures from the National Drug-Related Deaths Index indicate that there were 633 drug related deaths in 2012. 350 of these deaths were due to the toxic effects of drugs which represents a decrease from 387 in 2011. Methadone was implicated in 86 poisonings in 2012 compared to 118 in 2011. The majority of the deaths (87%) where methadone was implicated were polydrug poisonings.
The HSE maintains the Central Treatment List, which is a register of all clients in receipt of methadone maintenance treatment for problem opiate use in Ireland. The dispensing of methadone in Garda Stations is not covered by the Opioid Treatment Protocol, which regulates and oversees methadone and opiate dependence treatment. Consequently, the Central Treatment List does not contain data on the dispensing of methadone in Garda stations. However, I understand that prescribing doctors are expected to follow Irish College of General Practitioners best practice guidelines.
