The Elton John AIDS Foundation, which is working globally in an endeavor to limit the spread of the fatal HIV infection, funds over 1,100 projects internationally with grants exceeding €40m.

The needle exchange programmes engage heroin addicts submitting used needles to pharmacies. In return, they receive a pack with clean needles.

The pack includes several items required for injection. The process is really effective in reducing the menace of transmitting infection among addicts.

But, a majority of pharmacists are not interested in the system since they don’t want drug addicts to visit their shops frequently.

A donation from the legendry pop star Elton John to help limit the spread of HIV in the Republic has never been put to use.

Earlier in 2009, the singer donated €750,000 to the Irish Government for the stipulation of clean needles for drug addicts.

However, the programme is still due to commence and the money has never been utilized.

In spite of various declarations of its forthcoming start-up, the life-saving scheme is stranded amid red tape and obscurities with recruiting pharmacists to offer the needles.

The delay recently inspired the Elton John AIDS Foundation to renegotiate the terms of the agreement.

As per the revised terms, the foundation has notified the Irish Health Service Executive that it will hold back the agreed funds unless any progress is shown with the existing scheme.

"We are finalizing locations and a roll-out plan will be announced in due course", a HSE spokesperson revealed.