In 2002 the Department of Health and Children requested the Methadone Prescribing Implementation Committee to conduct a review of the Methadone Protocol that was introduced in October 1998. This publication contains a copy of this review, as well as the previously published 'Report of the Methadone Treatment Services Review Group.

In January 1998 the report of the Methadone Treatment Services Review Group was published. The Methadone Treatment Services Review Group had been set up by the Department of Health and Children in 1997 to assess the use of methadone in the treatment of heroin dependence.

Its report examined the protocols for good practice in the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and pointed to appropriate controls that could be put in place. It also set out the basis on which methadone treatment should continue to be developed and recommended a concise framework for the future operation of the Scheme. The report was circulated nationwide to every general practitioner and pharmacist. An implementation committee was established with responsibility for implementing the recommendations contained in the report.