Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations and for all the work they have done on this over a very short period. The witnesses will agree that a parent will do everything possible to get the best possible care for his or her child. I refer to a situation where all available medicines have been used but have proved unsuccessful. The parent then feels the only option is to use a cannabis-based product but the medical adviser is unhappy about coming on board. The witnesses will understand the frustration of the parent in that situation. They have outlined where the Minister has the right to issue a licence. Who is the licence issued to? Is it the parent, the GP or the medical consultant? Who is accountable for issuing and monitoring a licence? It has been mentioned that medical consultants monitor the licence. Do medical consultants report on the matter? This aspect has been discussed but it needs to be clarified. What does one do with a parent who finds it difficult to get his or her medical adviser to come on board? Is there a mechanism that can be put in place to assist the parent in cases where all other forms of treatment have proved unsuccessful but where there is clear evidence that a cannabis-based treatment might be of assistance?

The matter needs to be clarified because this problem will arise repeatedly if we are talking about having a five-year programme. Not many medical consultants would be very familiar with this matter. What do we need to do to ensure there is an adequate level of care for the patient and support for the patient where his or her advisers are reluctant to become involved? It is extremely important that we clarify this matter.