Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy in raising the issue here and in looking at how we can proceed at looking at another programme to identify the length of time people are on methadone. As he said, people are on methadone over a long period. Some of them have been on it for more than then ten years. For many, it is an opportunity to remain stable and to continue their lives and work. I know many of these people. There are limitations, however, in the opportunities for GPs in areas with regard to methadone services. A number of doctors are available for level 1 and level 2 GP services. There are, however, problems recruiting doctors for level 2 GP services for methadone treatment. We are succeeding around the State and with the funding made available through the HSE for services in primary and community care, I believe there will be an outcome into the future.

Suboxone use has also been established as a treatment in Ireland. To facilitate the increase in the use of Suboxone, €750,000 was allocated in each of the years 2017 and 2018, giving us a sum of €1.5 million for the full year costs. Suboxone is a new initiative in Ireland to help some people, while others will never be on Suboxone because that treatment does not suit them. We will continue to roll out the Suboxone treatment.

I agree with the Deputy that it is a while since the 2010 review of the treatment programme and that we may need to look at it again. People are, however, surviving on a daily basis, living out their lives, going to work and rearing families while they are on methadone. We cannot forget the fact that it is also available.

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