Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We do clinical trials all the time in Ireland and an expert group comprising scientists, neurologists, and others put the guidelines for this programme in place. We have met HPRA officials and they have satisfied themselves about the programme. The authority's advice stated that if access to cannabis were permitted for medical purposes, it should only be initiated under the direct supervision of an appropriate medical consultant.

The Deputy referred to populism. I withstood massive political pressure from this Oireachtas when it endeavoured to pass irresponsible legislation without grounding in science. It wanted to set up a cannabis research authority, whatever that was going to do, among other things. I am instead putting in place a confined access programme as a last resort for three specific conditions, which is grounded in the HPRA-----