Gino Kenny (Dublin Mid West, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Senator Burke asked about the current law on compassionate access. One family has got access, but it is extremely restrictive. There is another family which has applied for a licence but, thus far, they have not been successful. As such, the access scheme under the Minister's remit is completely inadequate at this time. On a long-term basis, it will not work. There is also the matter of the grey area between the Minister and the medical profession and, as such, the regime is inadequate. As to whether many other people will apply, it is possible but the last thing the Minister will want is hundreds of people applying under the compassionate scheme. It is not workable, which is why I have put the Bill forward. Its aim is relatively simple: to give people safe access to medicinal cannabis. Through circumstances which are not of their choosing, many people in the country are already using medicinal cannabis and they should not be criminalised. It is immoral to criminalise people who are using cannabis to alleviate their suffering or that of their children. It is the 21st century at this stage and our eyes should be opened as eyes have been opened in the USA and in other European countries. Enlightenment as to the health benefits of the cannabis plant can only be beneficial. That is reason I put the Bill forward. It is not perfect by any means, but I am here to represent the legislation and the many people who could benefit from it. It is hoped it can go to the next Stage.