John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

The figure Deputy Wall stated on the numbers using methadone is correct. Not everybody who uses methadone uses it exclusively. A combination of other drugs can be used and that appears to be the case. The HSE, which is specifically charged with responsibility for the matter, is in the process of implementing a national overdose prevention strategy which would address the issue of benzodiazepines, prescription drugs and methadone.

Since I became a Minister of State, I specifically asked the HSE to review what we are doing about methadone use. I have a grave concern that people seem to be on methadone for an extended period of time. I may not be in my position long enough, but I would like to see the hard evidence to show progression. In other words, I would like to see an active methadone reduction programme. The overdose prevention strategy would specifically address the issue to which Deputy Wall referred.

See this speech in context