Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. I thank our guests for appearing before the committee. I have a number of questions.

The countries that have introduced the medicinal use of cannabis under strict control were listed. Are the witnesses aware of any side effects or issues that must be attended to, arising from the use of cannabis in those countries?

Do we have the views of conventional pharmaceutical manufacturers on the use of medicinal cannabis, with particular reference to those companies that manufacture cannabis-based medicines? Have their views been sought in respect of the use of cannabis? Has there been a comparison of the benefits of cannabis-based medicines versus the use of cannabis for medicinal reasons?

Dr. Lorraine Nolan in the course of her address stated, "To date there is an absence of scientific data demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of cannabis products". We must take this into account. I remember how we dealt with hepatitis C some years ago, where the plan we followed was proven to be incorrect and proved to be costly and detrimental to the quality of life of the patients concerned.

In respect of the patients who have been authorised to use cannabis based products, have any ill-effects been detected since they started to use these products? Does Dr. Nolan have reservations on the use of cannabis based products?

We have covered the licence to some extent. How does the licensing system operate in the countries that have authorised the use of cannabis? Have problems arisen, or are there issues that we should bear in mind in the context of its use in Ireland?

Dr. Nolan set out three conditions, when she, sounding a note of caution, recommended the use of cannabis. In regard to the side effects of the use of cannabis, is Dr. Nolan satisfied that she has identified and is aware of the side effects? Has there been an evaluation of the potential side effects from the possible use of cannabis in the way in which it is proposed to be used in this case?

I have already raised the question on cannabis based pharmaceutical products. How did other countries decide in the first instance on who should have access to the use of cannabis for medicinal reasons? Did they start with an access programme or did they authorise it in a general way?

We are familiar with some of those countries and their drug regimes but I will not go into that at the moment.

The HPRA advises that cannabis for medical use should only be initiated as part of a structured process of formal ongoing clinical evaluation in patients with clearly defined medical conditions. That is a serious statement. Is the HPRA satisfied that it is possible to adequately monitor the potential uses given the proposals that are already on the table?

I refer to ministerial prerogative. Reference was made to the fact a Minister can make a decision at any time. That is correct in theory but a Minister must try to avoid a decision that could be detrimental to the public good, the health of the general public or whatever the case may be. He or she must have regard to those issues at all times. The point has been covered but I am interested in hearing anything the witnesses wish to add.