Professor Orla Hardiman:

There is undoubtedly a role for it. My colleagues who look after epilepsy, both paediatric and adult, have researched the evidence base for this and, clearly, there is a very strong evidence base in support of medical cannabinoid products in the management of particular forms, or subtypes, of epilepsy. There is definitely a role for managing spasticity, and while the licensing relates to multiple sclerosis, there may be a role for some of the cannabinoid products to treat other types of spasticity. My understanding is that the difficulty in regard to access relates to the companies that make the most efficacious products and the process of reimbursement through the health technology assessment services and Professor Michael Barry's unit in the pharmacoeconomics sector. I understand there have been some delays in the negotiations regarding reimbursement. As far as I am aware, the issue relates not to a reluctance of colleagues to prescribe these products or of the HSE to permit them but rather to ensuring the best price will be available to the Exchequer, and the process for establishing that is under way.