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AMONG THOSE waiting outside one of the HSE’s emergency methadone clinics in Dublin yesterday evening was Dave – who did not want to give his surname – an electrician who had to leave his work early in order to get his daily prescribed methadone.

“I usually get mine at a chemist in Ballyfermot in the morning but it’s closed because of this dispute. I am used to taking it at about 11 in the morning and it’s been a long day having to go without it. This is the first day and I can see it getting tougher.”