Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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414. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons in receipt of methadone as opioid substitute treatment in the years 2012, 2013 and to date in 2014; and the cost to the Exchequer of providing this treatment for each of those years. [40009/14]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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419. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that all citizens with addiction problems on opioid substitute treatment programmes and receiving methadone will be offered detoxification residential programmes and follow up supports, including retraining for jobs and, where necessary, housing; and if such a proposal has been evaluated and costed by his Department. [40014/14]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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420. To ask the Minister for Health the frequency with which clients in receipt of methadone as opioid substitute treatment attend direct patient consultations with doctors working in drug treatment centres or general practices. [40017/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 414, 419 and 420 together.

The National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016 has identified a need for the ongoing development of the spread and range of treatment services and a more seamless transition from treatment to rehabilitation.

In line with the Strategy, a National Drugs Rehabilitation Framework has been developed which sets out an integrated inter-agency model of rehabilitation based on shared care planning to ensure that service users access the range of services required to assist them in their recovery. This requires increasing emphasis on models of care that treat clients at the lowest level of complexity that is safe, timely, effective and efficient and as close to home as possible in line with their individual needs. The National Drugs Rehabilitation Implementation Committee, chaired by the HSE, is overseeing the implementation of the framework which is currently being rolled out nationally.

I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the number of persons in receipt of methadone, the frequency of attending clinics and GPs, and the cost of providing such services in the relevant time period.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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415. To ask the Minister for Health his position on the use of needle exchange programmes for certain drug users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40010/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In line with the Programme for Government and Action 34 of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, it is Government policy to expand the availability of needle exchange services. Such services greatly reduce the risk of the use of contaminated injecting equipment through providing sterilised needles, syringes and associated injecting items. They also reduce the dangers posed by discarded needles through the strong emphasis on the exchange of used supplies for new. As well as the direct benefits of needle exchange services, they also bring people into contact with other services and increase the possibilities for further engagement aimed at reducing heroin use.

In Dublin, needle exchange services are provided through HSE clinics and through voluntary sector providers. Needle exchange services outside Dublin have been expanded through the Pharmacy Needle Exchange Programme, with the target of recruiting and training 130 pharmacies achieved this year.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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416. To ask the Minister for Health if he has examined the viability of introducing an audit trail or central register of methadone prescribed by general practitioners and doctors in drug treatment centres, and of methadone dispensed by all pharmacies in the State, to ensure that prescribed methadone is administered and provided only to intended users. [40011/14]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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417. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the alleged prevalence and wide availability of methadone on the black market, including the alleged availability of methadone provided to clients in drug treatment centres which is later sold on rather than being taken by the prescribed persons. [40012/14]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 416 and 417 together.

As the Deputy is aware, methadone is a Schedule 2 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 which means that strict prescription, recording and storage requirements apply. Further requirements are set out under the Misuse of Drugs (Supervision of Prescription and Supply of Methadone) Regulations 1998 made under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 reflecting the fact that it is most commonly used in treatment programmes for opiate dependency.

Responsibility for the provision of opioid substitution treatment, mainly methadone, rests with the Health Service Executive. All patients in receipt of methadone maintenance treatment are recorded on the HSE Central Treatment List, and treatment delivery is monitored in accordance with the Methadone Treatment Protocol. The aim of this Protocol is to manage the distribution of methadone and minimise the risk of diversion for onward sale.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly in relation to the specific issues raised by the Deputy.