For many years, methadone has been used on a large scale to help people with serious addiction problems. There seems to be no end in sight to its use. It is very addictive. In other European countries, Suboxone has been introduced as an alternative. It has proven effective and is not as addictive. The problem, however, is that it is expensive.

The misuse of drugs (amendment) Bill is to be introduced with the aim of controlling certain drugs that are being misused. When will it be published? Are there plans to consider Suboxone under the Bill? It is high time that we examined the continuous use of methadone, which some people have used for more than ten or 20 years. Many are addicted to it.

I will ask the Minister of State, Deputy Catherine Byrne, to reply.

More than 9,000 people are in receipt of methadone, with more than 3,500 on it for longer than ten years. A pilot project involving Suboxone is under way and will be rolled out across the country. There is room now in the budget to extend the use of Suboxone, but it cannot be given to everyone. Only certain people can take it because it can have long-term effects for those with medical issues. Suboxone will become part of the national drug strategy next year.