Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I listened with interest to comments made about the health services. For some time people have been confused about the roles of the Department of Health and Children, the Minister and the HSE. I wish to place on the record my appreciation of all those involved in the delivery of the services whether on the front line or in administration. Thousands of people are receiving excellent services from our service providers. In recent years much has been done on the provision of service. I was impressed by one change. I noticed when driving on Pearse Street that poor unfortunate addicts were no longer queuing and crossing the road in front of our cars. Thousands of commuters saw this on a daily basis. They then moved to Amiens Street and we saw a repetition of that simply because nobody wanted a drugs clinic in his or her back garden.

Now throughout the country pharmacists are participating in a methadone programme. Drug addicts integrated in their own communities are availing of the required supports. The House may be aware of some difficulties between the HSE and the pharmaceutical union on the operation of the scheme. I ask the Leader to make contact with the two authorities. From speaking to pharmacists, I understand they have been trying to seek a meaningful conclusion to ensure the continuation of the methadone programme, but have been unable to reach agreement. A deadline of Monday, 8 October has been set for agreement, otherwise pharmacies participating in the scheme will withdraw, which would lead to a very regrettable position. Will the House pass a resolution asking both sides to enter meaningful discussion to ensure the continued success of the methadone programme?