Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Twomey and the other witnesses. In the broader context, there is an ongoing debate within the regulatory authority, in society and among clinicians and physicians about the benefits that may arise from the use of cannabinoids to treat epilepsy and other ailments. A Bill relating to this issue will be debated in the Dáil next week. Perhaps that will open up a wider debate in society. I find that when cannabis is mentioned, certain people almost immediately express the view that it is a harmful substance that creates huge difficulties in society. On several occasions during debates with people, I experienced a certain mindset revealing itself when the word "cannabis" was used. Clinicians and regulators might have some knowledge in this area, but how much research is available out there for lay people, politicians and legislators to assess when they are making determinations on the use of these products? I know there can be a lot of division within clinical views, particularly in Ireland. Is an overarching view shared by those involved in the whole area of neurology and, more broadly, in multiple sclerosis and other muscular diseases? Is there still a great deal of division? I suppose that is the key question I am asking.

Ms Twomey has said that she needs a certain type of cannabinoid substance for her daughter, Ava. Are there any other forms of cannabinoids that are beneficial? Is this specifically about THC? Does Ava require very specific types of cannabinoids? Could varying substances within the overall cannabinoid family be beneficial?

How did the family decide on the specific medication that was suitable for their child? Was it the result of trial and error or the outcome of research? Did the clinicians or physicians suggest that this specific drug would be beneficial to Ava?