Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 94: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the dispute between pharmacists providing methadone treatment to recovering drug addicts on behalf of the State and the Health Service Executive over the HSE's failure to provide sufficient support; if his attention has further been drawn that this dispute could lead to the withdrawal of services for methadone users; if he has met with representatives of the HSE or with pharmacists representatives to discuss the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7682/07]

Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Issues around the provision of methadone by pharmacists are primarily a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE). However, I am aware of the concerns expressed by the Irish Pharmaceutical Union (IPU), having been contacted by a representative of that Union recently. I understand from the HSE that these issues, as well as various other matters raised by the IPU, are being followed up in the normal course between the two parties and that it is anticipated that a meeting will be held in this regard in the near future.

I propose to seek an up-date report from the HSE at the next meeting of the Inter-Departmental Group on Drugs, which is scheduled for next week.